Seattle Police Department Faces $3M Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Amid Allegations of Toxic Workplace Culture

The lawsuit details several disturbing incidents, including a female command team member confronting Tompkins about the alleged affair, an officer stalking her and monitoring her via surveillance, and another officer staking out her residence in an attempt to catch her and Diaz together. Tompkins obtained a restraining order against the latter officer.

The situation escalated when a romantic letter, presumed to be from Tompkins, was found in Diaz’s police vehicle. The letter, described as “Star Wars”-themed, led to Diaz’s termination by Mayor Bruce Harrell. Diaz, who later disclosed he is a gay Latino man, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination.

Tompkins’s lawsuit also alleges Mayor Harrell contributed to the toxic work culture by making inappropriate comments. In a July 2023 meeting, Harrell allegedly told Diaz that it would be “alright” if he slept with Tompkins, adding he would “do” her himself.

The City of Seattle has not publicly responded to these allegations. Both lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about workplace culture within the SPD and the city’s handling of internal misconduct allegations.