Dec. 20, 2024 | Source: MyNorthwest
Shon Barnes has been nominated by Mayor Bruce Harrell as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD), following a nationwide search. Barnes has served as Chief of Police in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2021.
Interim SPD Chief Sue Rahr expressed enthusiasm for the nomination, saying, “I am very excited to see Chief Shon Barnes join the Seattle Police Department! He has achieved a national reputation for his focus on research and innovation while remaining centered on the core values of community policing.”
The Seattle City Council will need to approve the nomination.
“This week, under tragic circumstances, the nation was introduced to Chief Shon Barnes,” Mayor Harrell said in a statement. “We saw firsthand what our team has known throughout this recruitment process – that Chief Barnes has the leadership, compassion, and dedication needed to advance our Police Department. I’ve spoken with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to express my condolences and support as they process this week’s tragedy. We remain committed to fighting gun violence through our shared work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.”
Harrell added, “Chief Barnes brings proven experience and a forward-looking vision to help us achieve our One Seattle commitment to safety in every neighborhood. I want to thank Chief Sue Rahr for her strong leadership this year. We took a different approach to this search, seeking the best possible chief for SPD’s future. I am confident Chief Barnes is that leader.”
Barnes responded to the nomination in a City of Seattle YouTube video: “I am honored to accept this position and thank Mayor Harrell for his trust. The mayor and I share a vision that crime prevention and community safety are shared responsibilities. My family and I are excited to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community. I look forward to working with the dedicated members of the Seattle Police Department.”
As Chief in Madison, Barnes built strong community partnerships and achieved significant reductions in crime, including declines in homicides, auto thefts, burglaries, and reports of shots fired in 2024. He brings over 12 years of command-level experience and has also served as a civilian police accountability executive in Chicago.
Jennifer Chao, Director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, said, “His approach in leading with humanity and experience in community policing will be valuable in building trust with the communities we serve.”
Barnes’ career highlights include participating in President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing and earning recognition from the National Institute of Justice and Radford University’s Center for Police Practice, Policy and Research. In 2024, he was inducted into the Policing Hall of Fame at George Mason University’s Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy.
“Chief Shon Barnes is a nationally recognized leader and innovator. He is highly principled, fair, and sincere, and has consistently demonstrated great care for his personnel and the communities they serve,” said former SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole. “I have no doubt he will provide the stable, effective leadership that SPD deserves.”
The search for Seattle’s new police chief began in mid-2024 and was led by Interim Chief Sue Rahr and former Chief Kathleen O’Toole.