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Seattle Police Department Welcomes Chief Shon Barnes

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes marked his first day at the Seattle Police Department on Thursday with meeting new colleagues, media interviews, and getting to know the community. 

Chief Barnes, 50, is a longtime law enforcement leader. He was the Chief of Police at the Madison (Wisc.) Police Department between 2020 and early 2024. Between 2017-2020 he was the Director of Training and Professional Development for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago, Illinois. He started his policing career in 2000 at the Greensboro (NC) Police Department where he rose to the rank of Captain. Chief Barnes has also worked as an educator.

“I want to have my command staff fully set within the first 100 days,” Chief Barnes said during the interviews. “We will be making sure we’re establishing a culture of excellence and procedural justice within the department. People need to know their voices matter.” 

Chief Barnes says his top priorities include recruitment and retention; crime prevention; employee safety and wellness; community engagement; and creating new community partnerships.