Adrian Z. Diaz
Adrian Diaz | |
|---|---|
| Chief of the Seattle Police Department | |
| In office September 2, 2020 – May 29, 2024 | |
| Mayor | Jenny Durkan Bruce Harrell |
| Preceded by | Carmen Best |
| Succeeded by | Sue Rahr |
| Personal details | |
| Education | Central Washington University (BA) University of Washington (MPA) |
Adrian Z. Diaz is an American law enforcement officer who served as the chief of the Seattle Police Department from 2020 to 2024. Diaz had previously served as deputy chief of the department. Diaz assumed office in an acting capacity on September 2, 2020, following the resignation of Carmen Best.[1][2][3] On September 20, 2022, Diaz was appointed to the permanent position.[4]
Diaz and the Seattle Police Department are facing lawsuits relating to sex and race discrimination from officers in the department. [5][6] On May 29, 2024, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that Diaz was removed from his position as chief and subsequently reassigned to another division. Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr was appointed as the interim chief of the department.[7]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Santa Ana, California,[8] Diaz was raised in Anaheim, California and Mercer Island, Washington.[8][9] Diaz earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Central Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.[10] Diaz has stated his father was a police officer while serving in the Air Force and later managed a grocery store. His older brother also works for Seattle Police Department.[9]
Career
[edit]Diaz stated he worked managing grocery stores before joining the Seattle Police Department.[8] He also worked as a wrestling coach.[9] He began his career with the department as a bike patrolman and undercover officer and expressed uncertainty if he really wanted to be a police officer.[8] Diaz also works as a Master Defensive Tactics instructor at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.[11]
Personal life
[edit]Diaz came out as gay in June 2024, amid allegations of discrimination and retaliation and a $5 million tort claim filed against him by 4 female officers.[12][13] He was also sued by a police captain for discrimination and retaliation.[14] In October 2024, Diaz sued the city of Seattle for $10 million dollars for discrimination, harassment and retaliation.[15] He was on paid administrative leave at the time with a $338,000 salary.[16][17]
References
[edit]- ^ Producer, Quixem Ramirez, KOMO News Digital (August 10, 2020). "Seattle Police Chief Best makes stunning retirement announcement after department cuts". KOMO. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Seattle police chief to quit following city's move to shed dozens of officers". Los Angeles Times. August 11, 2020. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- ^ "Seattle's Police Chief Resigns After Council Votes To Cut Department Funds". NPR.org. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- ^ Taylor, Sarah Grace (September 20, 2022). "Mayor Bruce Harrell appoints Diaz permanent Seattle police chief". Seattle Times.
- ^ "SPD captain claims Chief Diaz has 'history of misogyny' in newly-filed lawsuit". KIRO 7 News Seattle. January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
- ^ "Black SPD detective of 43 years sues over years of alleged racism, 'culture of retaliation'". KIRO 7 News Seattle. November 9, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
- ^ https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/adrian-diaz-out-as-seattle-police-chief/281-067be874-a2d6-495c-974e-e857824cecca
- ^ a b c d "Meet Seattle's top police officer, Adrian Diaz". Seattle Channel. February 15, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ a b c "SPD Chief Diaz wrestling as liberation". NW Asian Weekly. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Command Staff - Police | seattle.gov". www.seattle.gov. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- ^ Staff, KIRO 7 News (August 12, 2020). "Who is taking over for Carmen Best? Here's what we know about Interim Chief Adrian Diaz". KIRO. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "The former Seattle police chief denies allegations made against him by 4 female officers". NBC News. June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ "Timing of former SPD chief coming out raises questions amidst legal, administrative turmoil". MyNorthwest. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Seattle police captain sues chief, claims retaliation for reporting discrimination". KOMO News. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Former Seattle police chief files $10 million claim against city". King 5. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Pay Records Show Diaz Listed As 'Chief' With $338,000 Salary". Pubicola. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz on paid administrative leave". King 5. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
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