“We’ve discussed how to move forward and how to address systemic inequities in our city,” Durkan said. “Make no mistake - Best was the right chief to reimagine policing in Seattle.” Watch a replay of some of Durkan’s comments below: RAW: Carmen Best announces retirement from SPD (part 2) Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Debbie Lord, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Durkan highlighted Best’s leadership during what she called “unprecedented times” and said the expects the department to stay committed to a culture of continuous and transparent reforms. “I believe we can make that step now instead of waiting for final recommendations,” Durkan said. For the first time since the protests began, Durkan openly criticized the Seattle Police Department for its handling of the protest outside the East Precinct Saturday night. Durkan got emotional when she took the podium, with her voice cracking as she said that "it's been a hard year and today's a hard day" in describing the announcement. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Mayor Jenny Durkan discussed the ongoing demonstrations held throughout Seattle during a news conference Sunday night. Durkan said the department “needed to be better," but she stood by Best’s continuing efforts during the ongoing protests. "I freely admit, I wish she was staying," Durkan said. Specifically, according to Best, the department will significantly reduce the visibility of officers outside the East Precinct and will remove some of the protective gear officers wear. SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan made it clear in a Tuesday press conference that she wishes Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best was staying on the job. She described Best as having "courage, grit, compassion and a mega-watt smile." https://fxn.ws/31BP7dC Nobody cares about this community more than Carmen Best,” Durkan continued. Much of their focus was on the demonstrations that have continued outside of the department’s East Precinct in Capitol Hill. The news conference finished about a half hour before Best said the department’s goal is always to “meet peace with peace” and thanked the many peaceful protesters who have demonstrated in recent days. Durkan then gave examples of how she says the city is committed to addressing the inequities including sending an emergency order Monday to the City Council requiring officers to have their body cameras on during demonstrations. Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Chief of Police Carmen Best hold a press conference to discuss Chief Best’s decision to retire and the future of the Seattle Police Department. She said she always expects officers to have a “proportional response to any action from the crowd.” Moving forward, Best said the department will continue to add additional ways to de-escalate the Capitol hill situation. “This seems simple, but there’s been reports that officers continue to have tape over there badge numbers. Six officers were injured and two were hospitalized when Best said no tear gas was deployed and things calmed down in about 30 minutes. However, Best said there have been “bad actors” in some crowds who come “in an organized effort to incite violence.” Best highlighted the clash between some protesters and officers outside of the East Precinct on Saturday night as an example of recent violence. That is a violation of policy,” Durkan said.RAW: Mayor Durkan, Chief Best give update on Seattle protestsRAW: Mayor Durkan, Chief Best give update on Seattle protests Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Debbie Lord, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and other officials hold a press conference of May 30, 2020 Live Durkan then expanded on the department’s commitment to being a leader in using de-escalation tactics. “Mayors come and Mayors go but cultural reform is most enduring,” Durkan said.