SEATTLE - Seattle police chief nominee John Diaz was blasted by some African Americans during his first confirmation hearing Wednesday. Diaz brings promises of change, but critics say he brings nothing new to the table.
In a length question and answer session before the Seattle City Council's Public Safety and Education Committee, Diaz was grilled by council members. He answered several questions from the city council, mostly focused on how he's going to repair relations with the communities of color.
Diaz said he's going to meet with them and will work with them on some new initiatives to bring peace. But that wasn't enough for some African American leaders in the community, who stood up and demanded change.
"We want to know what will be new? It seems like the same-old same-old." said Milford Muhommad, the Nation of Islam. "We cannot continue to have a relationship that looks like black here, white here, in a city that's supposed to be the integration capitol."
Charles Oliver with Blacks in Government told the council, "I'm against the confirmation. He hasn't shown any leadership."
The City Council released a 28-page document that contains 31-questions they put to Diaz, along with his written answers. In his confirmation hearing answers, Diaz addresses how he anticipates the department will move forward if he is confirmed as chief.
He says a major priority is to make sure every police officer fully embraces the missions of fighting crime, reducing fear, and building community. He says innovative approaches to crime are critical, and specifically highlights successful programs that have recently been employed by the SPD to deal with gang activity, sex trafficking, and prolific, repeat criminals.
There are two more confirmation hearings that include public testimony: Next Wednesday, July 28 at 5:00 p.m., at City Hall and Wednesday, August 4 at 9:30 a.m., at City Hall. The council is expected to take a final confirmation vote on August 9th.
