Having had the long Thanksgiving weekend to collect his thoughts, today Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Jim Pugel addressed his recent decision to demote Assistant Chiefs Nick Metz and Dick Reid. In a statement published on the SPD Blotter blog, Pugel admitted that the demotions had led to controversy (and at least one award), saying: “In the past, some leaders in this department have faced criticism for failing to make difficult decisions. I do not wish for this department to be viewed as one afraid of change and progress, and I believe that the decisions announced last week were necessary and correct.”

Here’s the full statement:

As the Chief of the Seattle Police Department it is my responsibility to make tough decisions to help guide this department toward progress and constitutional policing.

I understand that the personnel decisions that I made last week regarding two assistant chiefs have not come without controversy.

In the past, some leaders in this department have faced criticism for failing to make difficult decisions. I do not wish for this department to be viewed as one afraid of change and progress, and I believe that the decisions announced last week were necessary and correct.

It is my job to ensure that this department has the leadership it needs and deserves and our department has the right leaders in the right places working toward reform and improvement.

I am dedicated to preventing bias within our department and have made sure that SPD is supportive and fully participates in the city wide Race and Social Justice Initiative.