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Kathleen O'Toole Nominated As Seattle Police Chief

Former Boston police commissioner Kathleen O'Toole has been nominated to be Seattle's new police chief.

She would be the first woman to lead the department and will oversee about 1,300 officers as she works to carry out a reform agreement under federal oversight.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray made the announcement Monday at a City Hall news conference. O'Toole, who also served as inspector general of Ireland's national police force, beat out two other finalists: Elk Grove, California, Police Chief Robert Lehner and Mesa, Arizona, Police Chief Frank Milstead.

Former Seattle chief John Diaz announced his retirement in April 2013 after a three-year tenure. He was succeeded by two interim chiefs.

U.S. Justice Department investigators found in 2011 that officers too often escalated situations unnecessarily and sometimes used excessive force. Investigators also raised concerns about biased policing.

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