The Seattle Police Department understands the concern and anxiety created by reports of federal enforcement actions being taken in the city we all hold dear. The department stands by our core beliefs and affirms that we will follow our policies and Washington state law. We aim to be the voice of calm and… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle’s Real Time Crime Center is increasing the odds that crime victims will receive justice. According to a new data analysis by the Seattle Police Department, police officers and detectives are three times more likely to arrest the offender when they work with RTCC analysts. RTCC analysts respond to 911 calls, providing real-time investigative support for crimes ranging from murder to stolen cars. SPD analyzed 220,000 911 responses over the nine-month period between the launch of the RTCC and the end of February 2026. This finding — from SPD’s Performance Analytics… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle City Council will hear from the Seattle Police Department today on its Community Service Officer program. Community Service Officers are non-commissioned outreach specialists who are liaisons between the Seattle community and the department. The Community Service Officer (CSO) program has deep roots in the SPD – the… [ Keep reading ]
Based on the Seattle Police Department’s exit from the Federal Consent Decree in September 2025, the Seattle Police Department must now adhere to Washington State law for any use of deadly force by an officer. In these situations, the department is subject to an independent investigation led by the Independent… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle police homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance identifying four people in the Sinking Ship parking garage homicide on Feb 1. Detectives believe these individuals have vital information about the early morning shooting that occurred inside of the parking structure at 2nd Avenue and Yesler Way in Pioneer Square,… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department continually work to protect the peace and protect residents’ First Amendment rights. We are committed to improving how we do this, whether by training officers, launching new cultural competency classes, or by learning from our community and accountability partners like the… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes announced that overall crime in Seattle fell 18% in 2025 compared to 2024, with reductions across major categories including the most serious – homicide. There is still plenty of work to do in 2026 and beyond, Barnes said in a speech at the Northwest… [ Keep reading ]
On Jan. 7, the Seattle Police Department received a call from a concerned community member reporting that three unidentified men were approached and arrested by ICE agents. Officers responded to the community call about a possible armed abduction in North Seattle. The officers on scene verified the individuals were there… [ Keep reading ]
I’m extremely honored and grateful to continue in my role as Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department and for the amazing community that I have come to care for here in Seattle. Public safety is a shared value, and our priorities remain intact: crime prevention, community engagement, retention… [ Keep reading ]
By now, you have probably heard about the heavy winds and rain in the forecast. Just step outside, you’ll feel the gusts. There’s clearly a storm rolling in. To help you best prepare for your afternoon and morning commutes during this major “atmospheric river,” we have a few tips from… [ Keep reading ]
