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Shon F. Barnes is sworn in as chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD). On July 1, 2025, Chief Barnes was unanimously confirmed by Seattle City Councilmembers in a vote of 9-0.

Barnes stepped in to lead the police department at the end of January. Chief Barnes previously served as the chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin, and was the director of training and professional development for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago, Illinois.

As the 38th Chief of Police at SPD, Chief Barnes brings a new vision to the department at a time when the momentum continues to grow in recruiting while crime has decreased by about nine percent. Today, SPD is expanding with more than 90 recruits year-to-date.

Speakers and attendees include:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle

Chief Shon F. Barnes, Seattle Police Department