Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the removal of Police Chief Adrian Diaz from his post, replacing him in the interim with former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. The decision came amid lawsuits alleging discrimination against women and people of color within the police department. Diaz will be reassigned to special assignments, and an independent investigator will review the recent allegations of discrimination, harassment, and prejudice. The city is working to create a representative department that reflects the community it serves, with a focus on improving the internal culture at the police department.
Chief Diaz has been accused of retaliating against a veteran officer, Eric Greening, after he reported discriminatory practices within the department. Greening’s lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges that Diaz rejected his applications for promotions, demoted him, and abolished the department bureau he led. Diaz’s attorney maintains that an objective review will show the department’s actions were appropriate. Additionally, four female officers have filed a tort claim alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment, listing Diaz and other individuals as primary perpetrators.
The removal of Chief Diaz has been seen as a validation of the claims made by the officers, according to their attorney Sumeer Singla. He believes that the mayor’s actions support the legitimacy of his clients’ allegations. Other lawsuits against the police department, including one by Denise “Cookie” Bouldin and another by Deanna Nollette, highlight the ongoing issues of racism, sexism, and discrimination within the department. Bouldin, one of the first African American women to join the force in the 1970s, hopes that her lawsuit will prompt meaningful change within the department.
The city has 60 days to respond to the tort claim filed by the female officers, and the ongoing investigations into the complaints against Chief Diaz and Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis will shed light on the culture within the department. Davis, who was placed on administrative leave following a complaint, commands the department’s Special Operations Bureau, which includes the SWAT team. Diaz, who took over as interim chief following Carmen Best’s resignation in 2020, has faced criticism for his handling of discrimination allegations and personnel decisions. Harrell is now looking to tap talent from outside the department for the next chief, with a focus on addressing the issues that have plagued the Seattle Police Department.
Chief Diaz, who choked back tears during his statement at the news conference, acknowledged that there is more work to be done within the department. His attorney has defended his client against the accusations of discrimination, emphasizing Diaz’s commitment to addressing racism and sexism during his tenure. The removal of Diaz and the investigation into allegations against him signal a turning point for the Seattle Police Department as it grapples with discrimination, harassment, and prejudice. The city and the police department are facing legal challenges that highlight the need for significant reforms to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all officers.
