Seattle police chief Jul 9, 2025 · Shon Barnes takes office as Seattle police chief, emphasizing community engagement and public safety for all residents. His immediate priorities include officer recruitment and retention, crime prevention, community engagement and ensuring employee safety, according to the report. Barnes has promised to hit the groun… Dec 21, 2024 · After a behind-close-doors process, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes to lead the Seattle Police Department. Adrian Z. Dec 16, 2024 · Seattle Police Department Deputy Chief Eric Barden will retire before sweeping changes in SPD's command staff, including the announcement of a new chief. Jul 16, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon F. Nov 9, 2024 · SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department’s Chief of Staff suddenly resigned this week amidst an allegation she provided untruthful information in an investigation and a disguised handwriting Oct 29, 2024 · Former police chief Adrian Diaz answers questions at a press conference announcing his replacement by Sue Rahr. Come work in one of America's greatest cities, a place where every officer is committed to service and equity. [4] The SPD was officially Jun 10, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told City Council members Tuesday that he plans to stand up for the First Amendment rights of Seattle residents and expects to be jailed at some point for making Dec 20, 2024 · Following a national search, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the appointment of Shon Barnes as the city's new police chief. KING 5 spoke with Chief Shon Barnes about his new role joining a department struggling with understaffing and a Jan 2, 2025 · Mayor Harrell's nomination for Seattle police chief will inherit a department in disarray and many pressing problems. Diaz had previously served as deputy chief of the department. Oct 29, 2024 · The announcement Monday by Interim Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Sue Rahr that former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has been placed on paid administrative leave could signal the Jan 28, 2025 · SEATTLE — The transition of power at the top of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will officially commence this week. Jan 31, 2025 · Barnes, formerly the chief of Madison, Wisconsin's police department, arrives in Seattle to lead the department in a new direction. Diaz is an American law enforcement officer who served as the chief of the Seattle Police Department from 2020 to 2024. May 30, 2024 · Seattle’s embattled police chief has been removed from his post, Mayor Bruce Harrell said Wednesday, just days after an assistant police chief was placed on leave and amid lawsuits from at least Dec 16, 2024 · In a news release, Interim Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Sue Rahr said she needed to make a few leadership changes to keep operations running smoothly. Apr 28, 2025 · Seattle's police chief believes the department can be at full strength in a year or two based on new hiring numbers and applications in the pipeline. Dec 20, 2024 · Shon Barnes has been nominated as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) by Mayor Bruce Harrell. Barnes, right, is seen here with his family and Mayor Bruce Harrell after being sworn in as the city’s 38th police chief last week. These goals align with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s goals SEATTLE - Multiple sources are telling FOX 13 this week that Shon Barnes is a top contender to be Seattle's next police chief. A source told FOX 13 that Diaz cleaned out his office Tuesday night. . [4] Diaz and the Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has officially fired former police chief Adrian Diaz, according to an email obtained Tuesday morning by KUOW. May 31, 2024 · SEATTLE — Adrian Diaz is out as Seattle police chief and has been reassigned to a new role, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced during a press conference Wednesday. Seattle Police Department locations of headquarters and precincts. With the news that Chief Adrian Diaz is out amid a spate of sexual harassment and discrimination claims filed against the police department, it has shed a light on just how long the Emerald City has gone without a long-term police chief. Barnes has promised to hit the groun… May 29, 2025 · In a new lawsuit, former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz claims he was retaliated against and his career destroyed because he refused Mayor Harrell’s alleged command to perform “an unlawful Jan 28, 2025 · Seattle welcomes Shon Barnes as the new police chief, succeeding Interim Chief Sue Rahr amidst SPD's challenging period. Barnes is planned to visit Seattle in January and Dec 17, 2024 · Mayor Bruce Harrell fired Seattle’s former Chief of Police Adrian Diaz Tuesday after an internal investigation found that Diaz had hired and directly supervised a romantic partner and attempted to cover it up. The lawsuit accuses city officials of destroying Diaz’s career, violating his rights and leaking The former chief of staff at the Seattle Police Department is demanding the city pay her $3 million over alleged pervasive sexual harassment in the workplace stemming from a rumor that she had a May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE — Seattle's new interim police chief has been a mainstay in law enforcement for over 40 years. Jan 31, 2025 · The Center Square previously reported that staffing levels within the department, as of March 2024, were at a three-decade low. Barnes' appointment, announced Jan 31, 2025 · The Center Square previously reported that staffing levels within the department, as of March 2024, were at a three-decade low. He has been credited with notable reductions in crime rates in Madison. Dec 20, 2024 · Chief Shon F. Nov 23, 2024 · Interim Seattle Police Department Chief Sue Rahr interviewed several candidates earlier this month, a source told KING 5. May 2, 2025 · The former chief of staff of the Seattle Police Department claims she was subjected to relentless rumormongering and sexual harassment by officers and managers as they commented on allegations Jul 2, 2025 · (The Center Square) – Shon Barnes was officially appointed chief of the Seattle Police Department amid success in officer recruitment and a decrease in homicides. Jul 3, 2025 · Shon Barnes is now the chief of the Seattle Police Department, following a successful term as interim chief marked by reduced violent crime & new officer hires. Read disclaimer. Jan 31, 2025 · The City of Seattle welcomed a new Police Chief on Thursday. He will spend this summer meeting the neighborhoods his officers patrol. Dec 16, 2024 · In a news release, Interim Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Sue Rahr said she needed to make a few leadership changes to keep operations running smoothly. Sue Rahr, who has served as the interim police chief in Seattle since May Jan 31, 2025 · The City of Seattle welcomed a new Police Chief on Thursday. Barnes, of the Madison Police Department in Wisconsin, has been named to head the Seattle Police Department. Police Shon Barnes, Chief of Police Address: 610 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1900 Mailing Address: PO Box 34986, Seattle, WA, 98124-4986 Phone: (206) 625-5011 Contact Us Jan 31, 2025 · New Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes chose the look of a civilian executive as he was introduced to the city with media interviews and press releases this week. Jan 30, 2025 · SPD Chief Shon Barnes said he wants to finish his career in Seattle, supports the expansion of the CARE program, and is supportive of school resource officers. Barnes, who has served as the Chief of Police in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2021, is recognized for reducing crime, improving community-police relations, and driving cultural change in law enforcement. Oct 30, 2024 · SEATTLE — Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz is on paid administrative leave, according to Detective Patrick Michaud, a department spokesperson. Meanwhile, King County Metro has closed bus stops at 12th and Jackson Jan 29, 2025 · Ahead of her departure as Seattle's Interim Police Chief, Sue Rahr spoke at length to KIRO Newsradio about a series of topics. , and a former history teacher seen as a “next generation” leader in law enforcement, is Mayor Bruce Harrell’s pick to head the Seattle Police May 29, 2024 · After nearly a year of legal actions and turmoil, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has been dismissed as chief, Mayor Bruce Harrell said at a press conference on Wednesday. The new police chief’s top priorities include recruitment and retention; crime prevention; employee safety and wellness; and mending the strained relationship between the police department and the public. May 30, 2024 · Seattle’s embattled police chief has been removed from his post, Mayor Bruce Harrell said Wednesday, just days after an assistant police chief was placed on leave and amid lawsuits from at least Jul 1, 2025 · The Seattle City Council on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Shon Barnes as the city’s police chief, citing his skills as a communicator and his willingness for collaboration in turbulent times. Jordan as town marshal in 1869. Dec 19, 2024 · A corny love letter that got Seattle's Police Chief Adrian Diaz fired for lying about an alleged fling with underling Jamie Tompkins was revealed Thursday — with his alleged lover comparing him Oct 30, 2024 · Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz was placed on leave after police watchdogs opened an investigation into allegations that Diaz lied during a separate investigation, several sources Jul 3, 2025 · With his appointment as Seattle's top cop now official, Barnes vowed that staffing in the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will be at full capacity by 2027. Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired, the city confirmed Tuesday morning, after an investigation found Diaz had an intimate relationship with a former command staffer. Dec 17, 2024 · Interim Seattle Police Department Chief Sue Rahr announced that command staff changes are in the works and several department members will make moves in the coming weeks. Oct 28, 2024 · Former Police Chief Adrian Diaz was placed on administrative leave on Monday, according to the Seattle Police Department. (Luke Johnson/The Dec 17, 2024 · (The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell following an investigation into Diaz’s actions while head of the department. He aims to reduce crime, rebuild trust, and collaborate with the community and other stakeholders. May 29, 2024 · Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he is appointing Sue Rahr as interim chief of the Seattle Police Department. Mar 18, 2025 · OPA overlooked numerous bias complaints against Seattle officers, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in policing. The announcement by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell comes in the middle of the intensive investigation into the shooting at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian Dec 20, 2024 · Shon Barnes has been nominated as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) by Mayor Bruce Harrell. These precincts define east, west, north, south, and southwest patrol areas, with a police station in each. Dec 20, 2024 · Shon Barnes, chief of police in Madison, Wis. Jun 4, 2025 · Seattle's Office of Inspector General released hours of audio recordings and an alleged birthday card to former Police Chief Adrian Diaz that led to his firing. Dec 18, 2024 · Harrell told the Seattle City Council he fired Diaz after seeing the results of an investigation into the former police chief’s behavior. Jan 31, 2025 · SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department (SPD) welcomed its new chief on Thursday. Staff photo/Aaron Allen. By Erica C. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said at a press conference Wednesday that Sue Rahr will be the May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE - Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz will no longer hold his position after Wednesday. Barnes discusses his first 100 days and his priorities in moving SPD forward. Jul 2, 2025 · SEATTLE — There's a new top cop officially leading the Seattle Police Department. 20, 2023, at Seattle Police Department Headquarters following an expanded drug operation in Seattle. Mar 4, 2025 · # New Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes outlined his strategy in a presentation to the Seattle City Council, pledging the department would put scandals behind it and forge ahead with new resolve. The statement can be read in it's entirety below: In the wake of Public Affairs Office Providing timely and accurate information to the public is vital to the mission of the Seattle Police Department. The plan targets high-crime areas with focused policing and community collaboration, aiming to reduce violence and property crimes. Contacts for the Seattle Police DepartmentGoogle Translate may not accurately translate all content. SEATTLE - Multiple sources are telling FOX 13 this week that Shon Barnes is a top contender to be Seattle's next police chief. The announcement by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell comes in the middle of the intensive investigation into the shooting at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian Jun 11, 2025 · Seattle’s newly appointed Police Chief, Shon Barnes, says he will do whatever it takes to protect the First Amendment rights of residents. This is the official home page for the Seattle Police Department. Dec 20, 2024 · Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Shon Barnes as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) following a nationwide search. Barnes is planned to visit Seattle in January and May 29, 2025 · In a new lawsuit, former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz claims he was retaliated against and his career destroyed because he refused Mayor Harrell’s alleged command to perform “an unlawful Jan 31, 2025 · SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department’s new chief, Shon Barnes, officially took over on Jan. Jan 29, 2025 · Interim Seattle police chief Sue Rahr addresses the press after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that former chief Adrian Diaz would be stepping down on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at City Hall in Seattle. The City has embarked on its search for Seattle’s next Chief of Police. Dec 17, 2024 · Adrian Diaz’s firing is the culmination of months of conflict between the former chief and the mayor’s office. The Seattle mayor's office would not confirm this, but it did say Mayor Bruce Harrell is expected to make an announcement later in December. Rahr, who has a storied history of leadership in modern policing, culture change, and recruitment, and who served as King County Sheriff, Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, and a […] Nov 7, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has named a new East Precinct Commander and appointed a new department LGBTQ+ liaison and is apologizing to the community and the organizations who called the new chief out over a bungled selection process. Google Translate may not accurately translate all content. Tell us your requested language in English, and we can connect you with an interpreter. 30, King 5 reported. Sue Rahr, former King Jun 3, 2025 · Seattle’s Office of Inspector General has released a long-awaited trove of documents undergirding the investigation that led Mayor Bruce Harrell to fire then-Seattle police chief Adrian Diaz for The Seattle Police Chief is responsible for managing police services for maximum effectiveness and efficiency, creating an organizational culture of trust and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, and winning the trust and confidence of the people of Seattle. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has reportedly reassigned him to special projects, and has appointed former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr to serve as interim police chief. It is responsible for the entire city except for the campus of the University of Washington (which is under the university's police department). D/C Underwood holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies from Ohio State University. Diaz, who was demoted earlier this year and later came out as gay, has filed a $10 million tort claim against the city. Jul 11, 2025 · The Brief Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes is introducing Seattle-Centric Policing to address city-specific crime issues using data-driven strategies. For general City questions, please call 206-684-2489. Dec 21, 2024 · Madison police Chief Shon Barnes has been chosen to lead Seattle’s police department, according to a statement from the mayor of Seattle. May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has removed police Chief Adrian Diaz from his post and replaced him with former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, noting allegations against Diaz played a role Jan 27, 2025 · Seattle will have a new police chief by the end of the week. Dec 13, 2024 · Deputy Chief Eric Barden has been facing controversy following a domestic violence allegation and an internal Seattle police investigation. Jul 1, 2025 · After five months as interim chief, Barnes promises to prioritize officer hiring and retention and rebuild the SPD’s approach to community policing. About the Seattle police Department. Chief Shon Barnes marked his first day by meeting new colleagues and getting to know the community. Barnett Interim Seattle police chief Sue Rahr told SPD employees on Monday that she has placed former police chief Adrian Diaz on administrative leave, along with Jamie Tompkins, his chief of staff. Jan 31, 2025 · SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department’s new chief, Shon Barnes, officially took over on Jan. In a unanimous decision, the city council on Tuesday confirmed Shon Barnes as Seattle's next police chief. Police Arrest “High Utilizer Initiative” Offender During Proactive Patrols Seattle police officers arrested a 30-year-old man, and “ Oct 30, 2024 · SEATTLE — A day after it was announced former Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Adrian Diaz and Communications Director Jamie Tompkins were placed on administrative leave, the department and Dec 20, 2024 · (This story was updated to add new information and a video. We release public safety information as quickly as possible, often in a variety of formats. The Seattle Mayor Aug 7, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief speaks on crime hotspots, officer morale The top cop of Seattle has a lot to juggle, from recruiting officers to focusing on chronic crime hotspots, all while protecting and keeping the city safe. D/C Underwood is dedicated to enhancing public safety and building strong connections between the Seattle Police Department and the communities within Seattle of which it serves. 31. Jan 30, 2025 · The first outsider to lead the department in over a decade, Barnes promised to bring a “fresh perspective” to policing in Seattle. May 30, 2024 · Seattle's embattled police chief has been dismissed. Dec 18, 2024 · Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired, the city confirmed Tuesday morning, after an investigation found Diaz had an intimate relationship with a former command staffer. At a press conference Wednesday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrel l announced that Sue Rahr would act as interim police chief for the city's police department. May 29, 2024 · politics Seattle Police Department Chief Adrian Diaz out amid controversy After his four years in the position, the shakeup follows accusations of discrimination, female officers suing for sexual harassment and more complaints. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts". Diaz assumed office in an acting capacity on September 2, 2020, following the resignation of Carmen Best. ) Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes has been named to become the new Seattle police chief in January. Jul 10, 2025 · Shon Barnes takes oath as Seattle police chief, focuses on community trust, crime prevention, and recruitment amid changes in federal oversight. Dec 21, 2024 · After a behind-close-doors process, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes to lead the Seattle Police Department. Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes indicated during his confirmation hearing that he would risk jail to protect residents from potential federal military deployment and rights infringements. Jan 7, 2025 · Harrell said Seattle's new police chief, Shon Barnes, will start in late January or early February. Dec 20, 2024 · Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has appointed Shon Barnes as the city's new chief of police. Jun 10, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes indicated during his confirmation hearing that he would risk jail to protect residents from potential federal military deployment and rights infringements. Diaz and Jamie Tompkins, the former Jun 11, 2025 · Chief Shon Barnes defends First Amendment rights; anticipates jail for opposing Trump’s orders during Seattle City Council meeting. May 29, 2025 · The Brief Fired Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz is suing the city of Seattle, claiming Mayor Bruce Harrell retaliated after Diaz refused to fire an officer without due process. In an internal memo sent to staff last week, Interim Chief Sue Rahr, who was in the role for about seven months to help handle the May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE - Seattle hasn't been able to keep a police chief for longer than a few years. This process will be comprehensive and Mar 19, 2025 · The Seattle Police Department's new police chief made his first appearance at a community engagement meeting in West Seattle on Tuesday. Mayor Bruce Harrell made the announcement Wednesday, saying he met with Police Chief Adrian Diaz on the previous day and they agreed the chief should step down. The City is on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. Jun 10, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told City Council members Tuesday that he plans to stand up for the First Amendment rights of Seattle residents and expects to be jailed at some point for making that stand. The Seattle Police Department reports it has 1,800 employees and about 1,000 officers who police a metro of 755,000 people. Dec 18, 2024 · The love letter is the cornerstone of a 40-page investigation into former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz by the city’s Office of Inspector General, which led to Diaz’s firing. Law enforcement in Seattle began with the election of John T. Jul 1, 2025 · The Seattle City Council on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Shon Barnes as the city’s police chief, citing his skills as a communicator and his willingness for collaboration in turbulent times. Dec 13, 2024 · SEATTLE - Multiple sources are telling FOX 13 this week that Shon Barnes is a top contender to be Seattle's next police chief. Nonetheless, there is reason for optimism. In alignment with Mayor Harrell’s vision of One Seattle, the Seattle Police Chief leads the development of Police Dec 17, 2024 · Then-Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz speaks during a press conference Oct. In a unanimous decision, the city council on Tuesday confirmed Shon Barnes as Seattle's next police Nov 7, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has named a new East Precinct Commander and appointed a new department LGBTQ+ liaison and is apologizing to the community and the organizations who called the new chief out over a bungled selection process. Diaz alleges the city revived discredited affair rumors and botched the investigation that led to his termination. The termination came seven months after Diaz stepped down as police chief and moved into a “special projects” role. A community policing pilot program will launch soon, with potential expansion based on its effectiveness. Dec 17, 2024 · SEATTLE — Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz was terminated Tuesday for allegations of having a relationship with a former staffer and lying about it. Jun 10, 2025 · The comment was given to the Seattle City Council as part of Shon Barnes' confirmation process as police chief, three months into his tenure in the job. Information is distributed to news media and across our social channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor Seattle, WA Chief of Police The City of Seattle is the largest city in the State of Washington with a population of 772,000. May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE - Adrian Diaz will no longer serve as chief of the Seattle Police Department. Sue Rahr, who has served as the interim police chief in Seattle since May The Seattle Police Department is now hiring entry-level and lateral officers. Feb 19, 2025 · SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department's newly appointed chief, Shone Barnes, issued a statement on immigration Tuesday evening. Dec 18, 2024 · Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has been fired by Mayor Bruce Harrell following allegations of a toxic workplace culture and an inappropriate relationship with his former director of communications. Jul 23, 2024 · Seattle's interim police chief addressed the public on Tuesday, offering details of the departments recent accomplishments and pitfalls. Shon Barnes has been appointed as the new Seattle Police Chief by Mayor Bruce Harrell, starting in January 2025. Feb 19, 2025 · Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes detailed his agenda in a wide-ranging interview with "The Gee and Ursula Show" on KIRO Newsradio. The Seattle City Council on Tuesday unanimously confirmed Barnes, who has served as interim chief since Jan. [1][2][3] On September 20, 2022, Diaz was appointed to the permanent position. Jul 10, 2025 · The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. Harrell's office said the search for Seattle's next police chief began in mid-2024, led by current Interim Chief Sue Rahr and former Chief Kathleen O'Toole. May 30, 2025 · In Seattle, Sayles will work under former Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, who left Madison’s police department to become the city of Seattle’s police chief in January. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is the principal law enforcement agency of the city of Seattle, Washington, United States. Jul 2, 2025 · SPD Chief Shon Barnes, left, with Mayor Bruce Harrell, and Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins (Image: City of Seattle) Tuesday, the city’s new police chief was confirmed by the Seattle City Council. Barnes is recognized for his expertise in crime reduction and community-police relations, with previous roles in law enforcement in cities like Madison, Wisconsin, Chicago, and North Carolina. Dec 19, 2024 · SEATTLE — Investigators have released their full report about former police Chief Adrian Diaz and the affair they say he had with a staff member, including the text of a romantic letter at the May 18, 2025 · New Seattle chief of police Shon F. The lawsuit accuses city officials of destroying Diaz’s career, violating his rights and leaking May 29, 2024 · SEATTLE — Seattle's new interim police chief has been a mainstay in law enforcement for over 40 years.