Statement from Council Member Saka regarding leadership changes at Seattle Police

Rob Saka, Seattle City Councilor (District 1, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee) released the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that Sue Rahr would serve as interim chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

“I want to join Mayor Bruce Harrell in thanking Chief Diaz for his 27 years of loyal service to SPD and his four years as Chief. I fully support Mayor Bruce Harrell’s decision. As I have said before, I am deeply disturbed by reports of sexual harassment, discrimination and a toxic culture within SPD. There is no place for this type of behavior in our police department. I am prepared to do everything in my power to assist Interim Chief Rahr in addressing these issues and ensuring SPD can recruit and retain the best officers in the country. I look forward to opportunities to partner and continue our legislative oversight role to ensure the City has the best police department to serve all of our residents.”