Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has tapped Shon Barnes to be the city's next chief of police, after an extensive national search concluded with his selection. Barnes, who is presently the police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, will be taking over the helm of the Seattle Police Department (SPD), bringing a track record of crime reduction and community engagement. Harrell lauded Barnes for his leadership skills and his compassionate approach to policing, especially in the challenging times that followed a recent national tragedy that thrust Barnes into the spotlight.
According to an announcement from the Office of the Mayor, Chief Barnes' appointment highlights the city's "One Seattle" commitment, which emphases safety for every person in every neighborhood. The outgoing Chief, Sue Rahr, has been celebrated for her stewardship over the course during the transition, having made progress in officer recruitment and the implementation of crime prevention strategies. Mayor Harrell expressed his confidence in Barnes' ability to further these strides, acknowledging his innovative and accountable leadership style.
In fulfilling his duties in Madison, Barnes was acknowledged for his work in driving down crime numbers and for his strategic initiatives that bolstered both effectiveness and diversity within the department. His methodologies have led to significant reductions in crime rates in Madison during his tenure, with a 67% decrease in homicides and notable decreases in other crime categories throughout 2024. Chief Barnes told the Seattle Mayor's Office, "I am truly honored to accept this position and thank Mayor Harrell for his trust and confidence."
The search for a new chief began in mid-2024, with former chiefs Sue Rahr and Kathleen O'Toole spearheading the recruitment effort. Over fifty applications were received, narrowed down to 44 qualified candidates. Of those, three made it through a competitive exam to be considered by Mayor Harrell for the final appointment. Interim Chief Sue Rahr noted Barnes' focus on research and innovation as precisely what the SPD needs, as she anticipates a cooperative transition period into late January. Barnes' career spans 24 years in law enforcement, with stints in Chicago and North Carolina, and he has been recognized for his expertise in police reform and race relations, such as co-founding the 54th Mile Project, inspired by the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
Barnes' qualifications are complemented by a strong academic foundation, including a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and recognition from multiple institutes for his work in advancing data and sciences in policing.
