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"I feel like a foster parent." Outgoing chief Sue Rahr on hiring, leadership, and sexism at SPD

"I feel like a foster parent." Outgoing chief Sue Rahr on hiring, leadership, and sexism at SPD

Published 1 year, 9 months ago
Description

Sue Rahr’s tenure as Seattle’s Chief of Police is coming to an end.

The interim chief took over the office during a rocky moment for SPD: she inherited a police officer staffing crisis and a workplace where senior staff had filed legal complaints over their treatment, alleging discrimination and sexism on the job . 

Rahr’s appointment to the position happened the same week, last June, as a deadly school shooting at Garfield High, setting off a series of discussions about public safety at schools, and in the Central District.

And she was also in the awkward position of taking over the department from a chief who was initially demoted, and then fired for not being truthful about his alleged affair with a subordinate.

It’s been an eventful almost 8 months. 

Chief Rahr sat down with Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss what’s changed during her time in leadership, and what still needs to happen at SPD.

Guest:

  • Outgoing Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr

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