May Day Mayhem, Staying Optimistic, and the Need for Innovation: 
Seattle Police Chief John Diaz Addresses Seattle #4

by Jeanne McKnight

Just one week and a day after the May Day protests hit downtown Seattle, Police Chief John Diaz took to the podium to talk to Seattle #4 Rotarians about the challenges the department he leads will face in the years ahead keeping Seattle a safe place to live and work.

Introduced by former Seattle mayor Wes Uhlman, one of the founders and a current volunteer with the decade-old Seattle Police Foundation (www.seattlepolicefoundation.org), Chief Diaz brought to the meeting a message of optimism mixed with a commitment to innovation and community partnerships as the key to keeping our status as a great city, an economic powerhouse, and a safe place to live and work.  He acknowledged the great work of the SPF for enhancing community relations, improving officer training, recognizing those who protect the public, and providing the necessary equipment and technology to do great police work.

Chief Diaz focused his remarks on three key areas;
• The importance of cities;
• The 20/20 Initiatives of the SPD; and
• Law enforcement approaches to crime and protests.

Wednesday meetings are for Rotarians only and their guests. Can't make it to a Seattle meeting? You're welcome to visit any of the 50-plus Rotary Clubs in King County or more than 32,000 clubs around the world.