Seattle Chief Steps Down, Former King County Sheriff to Lead Department

Mayor Bruce Harrell said Chief Adrian Diaz will step aside from his post as chief and work on “special projects” in what the mayor called a “mutual decision.”

May 29, 2024

Adrian Diaz was named interim chief of the Seattle Police Department in 2020. He was sworn in as chief in 2023. He has now stepped down from the post.Seattle PD

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. Wednesday Harrell announced that Chief Adrian Diaz is stepping down.

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

Harrell said Diaz will step aside from his post as chief and work on “special projects” in what the mayor called a “mutual decision.”

Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will serve as interim chief beginning Thursday morning, Harrell said.

Rahr told Harrell she does not want the job permanently, the mayor said.

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