SEATTLE — A month ago, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said he was evaluating all members of the Seattle Police Department, including the chief, amid a series of sexual harassment and discrimination allegations sexual and racial behavior on the part of department leaders.
Diaz has been accused by several employees in lawsuits and tort claims. He denied the allegations.
On Wednesday, Harrell said Diaz would step down as chief and go on a “special mission” in what the mayor called a “mutual decision.”
KOMO News is broadcasting the 1 p.m. news conference on television and is also live streaming the announcement in this story, on the KOMO YouTube page and on the KOMONews.com watch page.
Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will serve as interim chief likely for at least six months, Harrell said. Rahr told Harrell she did not want the position permanently, the mayor said.
Former Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, who resigned at the end of 2017, will help lead a national search, Harrell said.
“I’m constantly evaluating everyone, and the chief is no exception,” Harrell said in late April.
Last month, four female employees came forward to accuse the chief and his top lieutenant, John O’Neill, 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 look into the allegations against Diaz and O’Neill, who heads the media relations unit.
Deputy Chief Tyrone Davis was placed on administrative leave on May 23, adding to the internal chaos at SPD. In a message to staff, Diaz said the move was a precautionary measure “due to allegations (from the Office of Police Accountability).” It is unclear the nature of the OPA complaint that led to the immediate suspension.
Davis — one of five deputy chiefs, according to the SPD website — oversaw special operations and joined SPD in 1999. His department includes SWAT, hostage negotiations, the arson team and bombs, the port 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 speaking out about discrimination within the department and appearance of segregation. Greening also claimed that community outreach was done only by women and BIPOC officers.
Last week, Diaz’s supporters said accusations of sexual harassment and discrimination came from “disgruntled” employees who are “serial complainers.” Victoria Beach, the Rev. Harriet Walden and Carmen Martinez made the statements during a 45-minute news conference on Beacon Hill because, 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 this summer’s protests and her opposition to the city council’s plans to cut its budget. Two years later, Harrell said he intended to appoint Diaz to the permanent position, and Diaz was sworn in on January 12, 2023.
The California native graduated from Central Washington University before earning his master’s degree 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 deputy leader in 2017 and deputy leader in 2020, a month before taking over the leadership of the SPD.
SPD continues to face staffing challenges, with a decline of more than 345 officers at last count, according to Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, although the city offers large signing bonuses and a massive increase in overdue salaries. Last week, the city council approved a law aimed at streamlining recruiting.
News Source : komonews.com
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