Axon, the Arizona-based maker of TASER© and a global leader in the development of other public safety technologies, announced this week the appointment of Carmen Best, former Seattle police chief, to Axon’s AI Ethics Board.
“I admire Axon’s commitment to developing ethical AI technologies, especially examining how it impacts communities of color,” says Chief Best, who rose through the ranks through a nearly 30-year policing career to become the first black woman to lead Seattle’s police force. “I support the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies to improve community safety and improve how police work with communities.”
Best holds a distinguished career of public safety and transparency within Seattle’s Police department. As chief of police, Best championed diversity reforms, public safety, and gender equality. She fostered record-breaking women and diversity hiring and recruitment and is widely recognized for her dedication to justice and community. In addition to her service to Seattle’s communities, she is also a U.S. Army veteran, having served three years in South Korea.