Adrian Z. Diaz

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. On September 20, 2022, Diaz was appointed to the permanent position.

Diaz and the Seattle Police Department are facing lawsuits relating to sex and race discrimination from officers in the department. 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.

Education
Diaz earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Central Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.

Career
Diaz previously worked as a bike patrolman and undercover officer in the Seattle Police Department. He also works as a Master Defensive Tactics instructor at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Personal life
Diaz came out as gay in 2024, amid allegations made against him by 4 female officers.