Seattle’s police chief, Adrian Diaz, has been dismissed from his position following multiple discrimination and harassment lawsuits, as announced by Mayor Bruce Harrel on Wednesday.
In a news conference, Harrel explained that he and Diaz met on Tuesday and mutually agreed that Diaz should step down. Diaz will now take on special assignments for the mayor within the police department.
This decision comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by police Capt. Eric Greening, who accused Diaz of discriminating against women and people of color. Greening’s lawsuit is one of at least six filed by officers alleging sex and racial discrimination, specifically naming Diaz. Last month, several female officers filed a $5 million tort claim, alleging harassment and sex discrimination.
Diaz has strongly denied these allegations. Earlier this month, Harrel announced plans to hire an outside investigator to look into some of the claims. However, Harrel stated that the lawsuits had become a distraction for Diaz.
While acknowledging Diaz’s accomplishments, Harrel said they agreed that a change in leadership was necessary. “I’ve accomplished so much in the four years as chief, but there’s more to be done,” Diaz said during the news conference.
Diaz took over as acting chief in 2020 following the resignation of Carmen Best, who stepped down after a summer of protests against police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis. Diaz was later officially appointed as chief.
Sue Rahr, a former sheriff of King County, will replace Diaz on an interim basis. Rahr most recently led the state’s police academy, where she advocated for the philosophy of “guardians, not warriors.”