Davis, who is one month away from his five-year anniversary as East Palo Alto's top cop, said he is honored to be considered for the Seattle police chief position but would miss his colleagues and friends in East Palo Alto.
"What I would miss are the people in the community and the people in the department," Davis said. "East Palo Alto reflects the heart and soul of our country; it is good people working hard every day despite some challenges."
He said that when a recruiter called him about a month ago and "strongly encouraged" him to apply, "it was a struggle because I definitely enjoy working in East Palo Alto."
He eventually decided to go for the job. He said Seattle is beautiful, and a bonus would be that his brother lives there.
Prior to taking over as East Palo Alto's police chief, Davis spent 20 years with the Oakland Police Department, rising to the rank of captain.
He said his experience working in a large city, coupled with being the police chief of the smaller city of East Palo Alto, gives him the experience he would need for the Seattle police chief job should it be offered to him.
Davis found out several days ago that he had been named a semi-finalist, and will interview with the search committee on May 8. The following Tuesday, the three strongest candidates will be selected.
On June 2, the search committee's three finalists will be presented to the Seattle City Council's Safety and Education Committee. On a date to be determined, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn will announce his appointment for the police chief job. The City Council must then confirm the appointment.
