Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes Nominated as Seattle's Next Police Chief

Barnes, known for data-driven community policing, is set to lead Seattle's department pending City Council approval after Adrian Diaz's dismissal.

Shon Barnes, currently Madison's police chief, has been nominated by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to serve as the next chief of the Seattle Police Department, pending City Council confirmation.
Barnes' nomination follows the firing of former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz, who faced allegations of misconduct and dishonesty regarding a personal relationship and hiring decisions.
Barnes is recognized as a proponent of data-driven, community-focused policing and has been involved in national initiatives addressing police-community relations, including the National Policing Institute's training programs.
His nomination comes shortly after a school shooting in Madison that left three dead, including the shooter, and drew national attention to Barnes' leadership during the investigation.
If confirmed, Barnes will oversee a department navigating federal oversight reforms, contentious contract negotiations, and internal discrimination lawsuits, while transitioning from a smaller Madison force to Seattle's larger and more complex police structure.