Police Chief Shon Barnes declared an Aurora Avenue North motel to be a chronic nuisance property following a series of violent incidents, drug dealing, and human trafficking activity. Last week, the City sent the chronic nuisance declaration letter to Madilyn Investments, owner of the Oaktree Motel, located at 8900 Aurora… [ Keep reading ]
On July 9, 2025, Seattle started a new chapter for public safety when Chief Shon F. Barnes was sworn in as the city’s 38th police chief before a crowd of more than 200 police officers, elected officials, and community members. Held at Seattle’s Northwest African American Museum, the ceremony was… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Police will keep main dispatch channels open, but will enhance encryption on radio channels used for tactical communications and sharing sensitive and personal information. In Quarter 2 of 2026, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will enhance encryption to radios used for tactical communications among our personnel. Encrypting radio communications… [ Keep reading ]
Eight people were arrested during dueling demonstrations in Downtown Seattle on Tuesday. Officers arrested eight individuals for assault. No injuries were reported. Two opposing groups gathered along 4th Avenue. Streets around the dueling demonstrations were shut down for several hours, but reopened just before 8 p.m.
Strengthening Public Safety Through Partnership and Action Seattle’s safety is a shared responsibility, and I am grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Mayor’s Office, and our City Councilmembers as we work to make our city safer for everyone. In response to recent incidents and ongoing concerns, the… [ Keep reading ]
In the wake of recent news and events, I want to address head-on any concerns or fears in our community regarding the Seattle Police Department’s position on the immigration status of our community members. Let me be very clear: the policies of the Seattle Police Department regarding immigration status will not change…. [ Keep reading ]
