Seattle Police Department Faces Lawsuit Over Harassment Allegations

Attorney Sumeer Singla alleges public records violations and mishandling of complaints from female officers

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:50pm

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Seattle attorney Sumeer Singla is suing the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the City of Seattle, alleging public records violations and mishandling of complaints from four female officers who claim they faced sexual harassment, retaliation, and a hostile work environment under former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz. The case is scheduled for trial in October, with depositions beginning soon.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights ongoing issues of harassment and misconduct within law enforcement agencies, as well as the challenges of holding city governments accountable through public records requests and legal action. The case could have broader implications for how police departments address and investigate internal complaints.

The details

Singla detailed how the city has delayed providing requested documents, forcing his team to file public records requests to access critical information. Despite the hostile environment, three of the four officers remain with the department and are reportedly thriving under new leadership. Singla added that retaliation continues in some forms, though the department's administration has changed.

  • The lawsuit was filed recently, with mediation efforts proving unsuccessful.
  • The case is scheduled for trial in October 2026, with depositions beginning soon.

The players

Sumeer Singla

A Seattle attorney representing four female police officers in the lawsuit against the Seattle Police Department and the City of Seattle.

Adrian Diaz

The former Seattle Police Chief, who is accused of mishandling complaints of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a hostile work environment from the four female officers.

Seattle Police Department (SPD)

The law enforcement agency being sued by Singla and the four female officers for alleged public records violations and mishandling of their complaints.

City of Seattle

The municipal government being sued alongside the Seattle Police Department in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We asked for all of the information that we were supposed to get in discovery, and now they've stalled us, and they say that they're not going to produce this information to us until September, a month before we're going to go to trial.”

— Sumeer Singla, Attorney (The John Curley Show)

“One of our clients that got so bad that she had to be escorted out of the building because one of the people that she's accusing of harassing her was in the same building as her, and the department wasn't helping her out, so she had to find her colleagues to escort her out of the building so she wouldn't run into this guy.”

— Sumeer Singla, Attorney (The John Curley Show)

What’s next

The case is scheduled for trial in October 2026, with depositions beginning soon. The judge will also need to rule on the city's delays in providing requested documents.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing harassment and misconduct within law enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of public transparency and accountability. The case could set a precedent for how cities and police departments respond to internal complaints and public records requests.