Source: Seattle police chief headed to DC

SEATTLE, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske has been appointed director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Obama administration, a source said.

The source said Kerlikowske, 59, told his police command staff about his career move during a meeting late last week, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Wednesday.

"I think he knows the right things to do for communities, cops, prosecutors and the defense bar. I think he is well qualified for this," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The post is a Cabinet-level position often referred to as the White House "drug czar." The office sets the federal government's drug-control strategy.

Kerlikowske's nomination would be subject to Senate confirmation.

He came to Seattle in 2000 after serving as deputy director in the U.S. Justice Department, overseeing the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program.