In surprise move, new Seattle police chief reinstates assistant chief

Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr has reinstated an assistant chief who was placed on leave last week, by former Chief Adrian Diaz, according to a department-wide email sent out on Friday.

“I want to let you know that based on newly available information and a review of the OPA investigation, I have restored (Assistant Chief) Davis to full duty, effective immediately,” Rahr wrote in an email to police. “I am looking forward to having the full team, working together.”

Diaz had placed Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis on leave on May 23, pending an investigation into unspecified allegations filed against Davis on May 8.

Mayor Bruce Harrell announced on Wednesday that he would replace Diaz with Sue Rahr, a former King County Sheriff, while he conducts a nationwide search for Seattle’s new chief. Harrell said that Diaz would remain at the police department, but said the details of his new position remained undefined.

Rahr started her tenure as interim chief on May 30 at 9 a.m.

Before Diaz stepped down, the department had been hit by several lawsuits and a tort claim, filed by employees alleging racism and sexism. Four of these legal actions targeted Diaz specifically. Harrell cited these lawsuits in a press conference on Wednesday announcing his decision to replace Diaz.

Diaz’s personal attorney, Ted Buck, has denied the allegations made against Diaz.

Diaz had served as president of the Police Executive Research Forum while serving as Seattle’s top cop. However his name was removed from the organization’s web page as of Friday afternoon.

Seattle Police did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.