Police Chief Search Records

Series

Identifier: 1802-N7

Scope and Contents Note

Records relating to Seattle's search for a new police chief in 1946. Mayor Devin recommended Richard Foster for the position in part because of his high scores on the examination. However, the City Council did not confirm Foster's appointment, with opposition based around the fact that he was not from Seattle. Devin later proposed George Eastman for the role and he was confirmed. Much of the series consists of alphabetically organized application files, which include photographs, fingerprints, and examinations. Files at the end of the series contain letters and petitions for and against the confirmation of Richard Foster.

Dates

Creation: 1946

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The City Clerk maintains the City's legislative records, official filings, and the Seattle Municipal Archives; keeps the minutes of City Council meetings; and provides information services to City agencies and the public. Seattle's first City Charter allowed for a Clerk of the Common Council to be elected by the Council. In 1875 the position of City Clerk became elective and remained so until 1896 when the new Charter designated the Comptroller ex-officio City Clerk. The Comptroller served as City Clerk through 1992. A 1991 City Charter amendment transferred the Comptroller's function to the Department of Finance and the City Clerk's Office became a division of the Legislative Department effective in 1993.