Seattle Police Chief Nominated For Drug Czar
WASHINGTON — Seattle police Chief Gil Kerlikowske has been nominated as the nation’s drug czar.
At a White House ceremony, Vice President Joe Biden named Kerlikowske to be chief of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The job requires Senate confirmation.
Kerlikowske says it’s a complex job that requires the cooperation of police, prosecutors, courts and treatment programs. He says success depends on the ability to reduce demand for drugs.
He says he’s experienced the problem in his own family. His stepson, Jeffrey, has an arrest record on drug charges.
The 59-year-old Kerlikowske has led the Seattle police department since 2000. He previously worked in a Justice Department program promoting community policing.
