Interim SPD Chief Sue Rahr spoke with KOMO News in her first interview since officially taking the job on Wednesday.
A photo of interim Seattle Police Department Chief Sue Rahr during a one-on-one interview with KOMO News' Senior Reporter Chris Daniels.
“I had to look inside myself. I've been preaching from the sidelines about what leaders should do in policing. We're in a crisis right now. Let's just be honest, we have a crisis,” said Rahr, the 67-year-old former King County Sheriff, who also ran the State Police Academy for nine years.
They are both back to work today, and I was able to reach out to OPA. I was able to get additional information to clarify the nature of the investigations. There’s no reason to keep them on administrative leave. They will complete their investigation. But both of those members of the command staff are back to work today,” said Rahr. “We've got work to do. Stop worrying about the drama.
Rahr also said she wants to implement a flexible scheduling policy to recruit and retain officers. She campaigned for it in Olympia and believes a change in state law this past session, along with approval from the guild, would allow her to find more boots on the ground.“I think that we can make the Seattle Police Department the most family-friendly place to be a police officer.
As far as the internal strife, Rahr said, “I've got a lot of reading to do,” and as far as Diaz, “We're still trying to figure that out. I'll be honest with you. Adrian has a lot of information that I need to learn from him. We're trying to find a time today where we can sit down and do a little bit of a download. I need to work with the mayor's office to figure out what's an effective role for Adrian. We haven't figured that out yet.
Seattle Police Department Recruiting Police Chief Crisis Administrative Leave Recruitment
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seattle Mayor Harrell announces Diaz to depart as SPD chief; Rahr to step inSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced at a news conference Wednesday afternoon that Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz will be departing from his position.
Read more »
Sue Rahr appointed as interim Seattle Police Chief; Adrian Diaz outSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced on Wednesday that Sue Rahr will serve as the Interim Police Chief for the city's police department.
Read more »
Sue Rahr takes helm at Seattle police with focus on recruitment and staff stabilityIf you were expecting broad changes in the Seattle Police Department on Sue Rahr’s first day, you were likely disappointed.
Read more »
Chief Diaz steps down amid escalating legal battles and claims of discrimination at SPDMultiple lawsuits and legal claims have been filed against the city and Diaz, seeking millions of dollars.
Read more »
Elected officials, city leaders and organizations react to Diaz's departure as SPD chiefSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Wednesday that Seattle Police Department's Adrian Diaz will be stepping down as chief.
Read more »
SPD’s assistant chief placed on administrative leaveThe Assistant Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has been placed on administrative leave, according to Police Chief Adrian Diaz.
Read more »