Carmen Best


Carmen Best is an American law enforcement officer who has served as the chief of police of the Seattle Police Department since 2018.

Early life and education

Best was born in Tacoma, Washington and attended Lincoln High School. She earned a certificate in police management from the University of Washington and Master of Science degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University. She completed training programs at the FBI National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy, Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Academy, and Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute.

Career

She was hired by the Seattle Police Department in 1992, and prior to being appointed chief, had held the ranks of officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. She took over as interim chief of police on January 1, 2018, replacing Kathleen O'Toole, and was later appointed permanent chief by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, effective from August 13, 2018. She became the first black woman to serve as Seattle's chief of police.