Deputy Chief Eric Barden leaving Seattle PD

Seattle Police Department gets leadership shakeup

Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr released a memo to her department Friday afternoon, announcing several major staffing changes.

SEATTLE - Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr released a memo to her department Friday afternoon, announcing several major staffing changes, including the departure of Deputy Chief Eric Barden.

Barden has been SPD's second-in-command since Rahr took over as interim chief.

Barden has been with the department for 38 years. According to Rahr, he is leaving to take care of his family. He will be away from headquarters beginning Monday, Dec. 16.

This comes after Barden and Rahr were named under a tort complaint filed by Seattle Police Lt. John O’Neil, claiming they failed to refute defamatory accusations against him when they knew they were false.

O'Neil, a 20-year veteran of SPD, was the victim of multiple complaints within the department. He has since been cleared of all those complaints. Internal investigators concluded that the "facts" did not back up the accusations, which alleged retaliation, gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

Rahr's memo also briefly touched on the potential pick for the next SPD chief.

"I’m aware the rumors are already circulating in the media, but I am not in a position to comment about them."

Sources say Shon F. Barnes, the current chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin, is a top contender to fill the position. The mayor’s office would not confirm that Barnes was in the running.

As of Thursday, spokesperson Jamie Housen said they had not made a final hiring decision.

As for Barden's replacement, Rahr says she will appoint Assistant Chief Yvonne Underwood to be the acting deputy chief. Rahr says Underwood has the knowledge and experience necessary to step in and maintain operations.

Underwood's replacement will be Captain Lori Aagard of the North Precinct. Rahr expects to appoint Aagard by the end of the year.

Former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz has since filed a $10 million tort claim against the city, claiming he was wrongfully discharged and discriminated against by Mayor Harrell after he came out as gay. Diaz revealed his sexuality to Harrell prior to the May press conference when Harrell demoted Diaz.

Harrell vouched for Diaz’s character, but said he was replacing Diaz over legal claims against him that had turned into a distraction for the city.

The accusations against Diaz consisted of gender discrimination and sexual harassment. Diaz has denied those allegations. The department has since been led on an interim basis by former King County Sheriff Rahr.

Over the summer, Diaz came out as gay to the public during an interview with radio host Jason Rantz on KTTH 770 AM radio. Diaz still remains on the city’s payroll. In October, the city put Diaz on paid administrative leave without revealing the reason behind that move.

Harrell is expected to make an announcement regarding SPD's next chief in December.

Seattle Police Deputy Chief Barden to leave department

Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr emailed her department Friday afternoon, announcing several major staffing changes, including the departure of Deputy Chief Eric Barden.

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