Adrian Diaz out as Seattle Police Department chief

SEATTLE — A month ago, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said he was evaluating everyone within the Seattle Police Department, including the chief, amid a string of claims alleging sexual harassment and sexual and racial discrimination from department leaders.

Diaz was accused by multiple employees in lawsuits and tort claims. He denied the allegations.

On Wednesday, Harrell said Diaz will step down from his post as chief and serve on “special assignment” in what the mayor called a “mutual decision.”

“His integrity, in my mind, is beyond reproach,” Harrell said during a press conference Wednesday. “He’s a friend, and I want to thank him for his service. He’s a human being, and a good human being at that.”

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done together, but recognize now is the right time to step away for the best interests of the city and its people,” said Diaz, who was emotional speaking to the media Wednesday. “I look forward to continuing to serve our communities and neighbors and supporting the department as we move forward.”

KOMO News is broadcasting the 1 p.m. press conference on TV, and also livestreaming the announcement in this story, on KOMO’s YouTube page and on the watch page on KOMONews.com.

Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will serve as interim chief likely for at least six months, Harrell said. Rahr told Harrell she does not want the job permanently, the mayor said.

Rahr said she has “big shoes to fill” Wednesday, speaking after Diaz during the press conference.

“It is an honor to help the Seattle Police Department enter its next chapter, building on my decades of experience in law enforcement leadership,” Rahr said. “I am committed to strengthening public safety in Seattle, recruiting the next generation of SPD officers and leadership, and creating a renewed sense of optimism in this department. I will listen carefully to our officers and the people of Seattle as I work hard to strengthen relationships with partners and the community. I will build trust with officers and the community through dialogue and action.”

Former Seattle police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, who stepped down at the end of 2017, will help conduct a national search alongside Rahr, Harrell said.

Turmoil within SPD

Last month, four female employees stepped forward to accuse the chief and his top lieutenant, John O’Neill, of a pattern of harassment, discrimination and a hostile work environment. They filed a $5 million claim against the city.

In late April, Harrell said he hired an independent investigator to review the claims made against Diaz and O’Neill, who leads the media relations unit.

Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis was put on administrative leave on May 23, adding to the internal chaos at the SPD. In a message to staff, Diaz said the move was a precautionary step “due to (Office of Police Accountability) allegations.” It’s unclear the nature of the OPA complaint that led to the immediate suspension.

Davis — one of five assistant chiefs, according to the SPD’s website — has overseen special operations and joined the SPD in 1999. His department includes SWAT, hostage negotiations, the arson/bomb squad, the harbor unit and the canine unit. He is the highest-ranking African American officer in the department.

Davis was promoted by Diaz and replaced Eric Greening, who recently filed suit against the city of Seattle and Diaz alleging he was retaliated against for reporting on discrimination within the department and the appearance of segregation. Greening also claimed that community outreach was being done solely by female and BIPOC officers.

Last week, supporters of Diaz said accusations of sexual harassment and discrimination are from “disgruntled” employees who are “serial complainers.” Victoria Beach, Rev. Harriet Walden and Carmen Martinez made the claims in a 45-minute news conference in Beacon Hill since, they said, Diaz could not defend himself.

Diaz was hired as interim chief in September 2020 after Carmen Best resigned amid backlash over her handling of that summer’s protests and her opposition to the City Council’s intention to cut her budget. Two years later, Harrell said he intended to appoint Diaz to the permanent position, and Diaz was sworn in on Jan. 12, 2023.

The California native graduated from Central Washington University before earning his master’s in public administration from the University of Washington. Diaz joined the SPD in 1997 and began his career in patrol before joining the investigations bureau. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2017 and deputy chief in 2020, a month before taking over as the SPD’s top cop.

The SPD continues to struggle with staffing, down more than 345 officers at last count, according to Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, despite the city offering major signing bonuses and a massive back-timed pay increase. Last week, the City Council approved legislation to streamline hiring.