Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on paid leave amid watchdog investigations

Former Police Chief Adrian Diaz was placed on administrative leave on Monday, a Seattle Police Department spokesperson told KUOW in an email statement. He wouldn't say why Diaz was placed on leave, saying he would not comment further on pending personnel matters.

Diaz and his personal attorney Ted Buck could not be reached for comment by publication time.

Since 2022, at least 51 complaints — ranging from serious to farcical — have been filed against Diaz, according to an Office of Police Accountability spreadsheet.

Diaz, who became interim police chief in September 2020 and later took on the role permanently, stepped down during a press conference in May, in which he shed tears. Mayor Bruce Harrell demoted Diaz to a “special projects role” at the department and Sue Rahr, former King County sheriff, became interim chief.

In the days leading to his demotion, records obtained by KUOW showed that Seattle Police watchdog agencies escalated two inquiries into Diaz to outside investigators, surrounding the allegation that he’d hired a romantic partner, and separate accusations that he’d used a police vehicle for personal trips. One of those trips allegedly involved Diaz having his security detail make an out-of-town run to purchase beef jerky for him.

Rumors that Diaz hired an alleged romantic partner overtook the department in the summer of 2023. Diaz attempted to quash the rumors, contacting the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the process. He also fired a junior staffer for discussing the rumor with colleagues.

Diaz had previously denied that his relationship with the woman was ever romantic, through his attorney Buck, who told KUOW in August 2023 that Diaz and the advisor were friends.

Such complaints were among many controversies that plagued the department with Diaz at the helm. Eight officers brought lawsuits against the department over accusations of racism, sexism, and discrimination, with four of the five lawsuits specifically naming Diaz. One female officer accused him of “predatory behavior.”

At the same time, the department has struggled to maintain and hire officers.

In June, following his dismissal, Diaz came out and disclosed his sexuality in an interview with KTTH’s Jason Rantz.

“You know, it’s absurd, and I haven’t had the opportunity to be able to tell my story,” an emotional Diaz told Rantz. “It’s a story I’ve struggled with over the last four years that I’m a gay Latino man.”

Jamie Tompkins, who is Diaz's chief of staff, was also put on leave. Diaz hired Tompkins in May 2023 — without posting the job or a competitive hiring process. City executives may do this with certain high level jobs.

It is unclear whether they were put on leave for related reasons. The statement from Seattle Police stated only that they were on administrative leave.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.