Sue Rahr (full name Susan L. Rahr) is a former American law enforcement officer who served as the Sheriff of King County, Washington from 2005 to 2012. She was appointed Interim Police Chief of the Seattle Police Department by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on May 30, 2024, and served until January 31, 2025.
Early Life and Education
Rahr was born in Laramie, Wyoming, and raised in Bellevue, Washington. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University, graduating cum laude. She also attended the National Sheriff's Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Executive Institute.
Career
Rahr began her career with the King County Sheriff's Office in 1979 as a deputy. She initially intended to work as a police officer only until she had enough money for law school, but ultimately decided against pursuing law. She was promoted through the ranks, serving as a sergeant, patrol supervisor, and working in the Burglary/Larceny, Proactive, Criminal Warrants, and Special Assault Units. She was later promoted to operations captain and served as commander of the Internal Investigations and Gang Units, as well as the Special Investigations Section. She was promoted to major in 1997 and was selected to be the police chief for Shoreline, Washington, in 1998.
Rahr was appointed Sheriff of King County by outgoing Sheriff Dave Reichert after he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She was elected sheriff in November 2005 and ran unopposed for re-election on November 3, 2009, receiving 97.45% of the vote.
On March 31, 2012, Rahr resigned as sheriff to serve as the Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Central Washington University's Law and Justice Department and is a regular featured speaker at the MPD's DC Police Leadership Academy.
On May 30, 2024, Rahr was appointed Interim Police Chief of the Seattle Police Department by Mayor Bruce Harrell, replacing Chief Adrian Diaz, who was removed amid discrimination and harassment lawsuits. Rahr served in the interim role until January 31, 2025, and was succeeded by Shon Barnes.
