Seattle’s police chief, Adrian Diaz, has been removed from his post by Mayor Bruce Harrell following a series of discrimination lawsuits against the department. The Mayor announced that Diaz will be replaced on an interim basis by former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr while an independent investigator reviews the allegations. Recent lawsuits filed by at least six officers allege discrimination against women and people of color within the department, including claims of sex discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against those who reported discriminatory practices.
One officer, Eric Greening, filed a lawsuit against Diaz claiming retaliation after he reported discriminatory practices within the department. Other lawsuits filed by female officers allege sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment within the police department. The City Attorney’s Office, along with Diaz and other officials named in the lawsuits, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Diaz’s attorney stated that the chief is confident that an objective review of the circumstances underlying the allegations will show that the department’s actions were appropriate.
These discrimination lawsuits come at a time when the police department and its leadership are under scrutiny for their handling of internal issues. One of the first African American women to join the department in the 1970s, Denise “Cookie” Bouldin, filed a lawsuit alleging decades of racist treatment and gender bias within the department. Another female officer, Deanna Nollette, sued Diaz and the police department for gender, wage, and job discrimination, claiming that Diaz has a history of misogyny. Diaz’s attorney denied the allegations, stating that they are demonstrably false and unfounded.
The dismissal of Chief Diaz follows the placement of Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis on administrative leave after a complaint was filed against him with the Office of Police Accountability. Davis, who commands the Special Operations Bureau, has not responded to requests for comment. Diaz had taken over as interim chief in 2020 following Carmen Best’s resignation amidst protests over police brutality and was appointed to lead the department in 2022. Mayor Harrell stated that he is looking to hire the next chief from outside the department to tap into talent from other cities.
The City of Seattle is facing a challenging situation with ongoing lawsuits alleging discrimination within the police department. These lawsuits, combined with recent complaints against high-ranking officials like Chief Diaz and Assistant Chief Davis, highlight the need for a thorough review of the department’s internal culture. Mayor Harrell’s decision to appoint an independent investigator and his intention to hire the next police chief from outside the department suggest a commitment to addressing these issues and creating a more representative and inclusive police force. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations and lawsuits will likely have significant implications for the future leadership and operations of the Seattle Police Department.
