By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The Seattle Police Department is preparing for a new era of leadership following the swearing-in of Chief Shon F. Barnes last week at the Northwest African American Museum. As Seattle’s 38th police chief, Barnes steps into the role with a focus on community engagement and a commitment to driving meaningful change in the city’s policing culture.
“Overall, I think it was an amazing event. The theme of the day was really community and community collaboration—a renewed commitment to the principles of policing that’s going to move us forward,” Barnes said after the ceremony. “It’s also an opportunity to meet and interact with so many people. People from all over the country came here today because of what Seattle means.”
Barnes’ appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Seattle City Council on July 1, following his service as interim chief. During his interim tenure, he emphasized outreach, conversations with community members, and a leadership style woven with empathy and innovative public safety practices.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell opened the swearing-in ceremony with words of confidence and congratulations, voicing his belief in Barnes as the right choice for the city’s future.
“I think that the chief demonstrated very clearly he’s the right one for the job,” Harrell said. “When he talks about building community trust, he talks about a Seattle-centric policing—knowing our community. It’s clear that we got this one right.”
The ceremony blended tradition with a celebration of leadership in Seattle’s Black community. Held within the historic Northwest African American Museum, the event featured the formal presentation of the American and Seattle Police Department flags, the sounds of traditional bagpipes, and attendance by rank and file officers standing in honor of their new chief. Community leaders, local officials, and residents gathered, joined by a special performance from Seattle’s youth drill team before concluding with a community reception.
Barnes brings over two decades of law enforcement experience, having served most recently as Madison, Wisconsin’s Chief of Police since 2021. Nationally recognized for his leadership in crime reduction and community-police relations, Barnes previously held roles as Director of Training and Professional Development for Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Deputy Chief in Salisbury, North Carolina, and as a captain and patrol officer in Greensboro, North Carolina—where he began his career in 2000.
Barnes holds a B.A. in History/Pre-Law from Elizabeth City State University, a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is a National Institute of Justice LEADS Scholar and has served on the National Police Foundation’s Council on Policing Reforms and Race, a nonpartisan group focused on research-driven recommendations for police reform.
According to Barnes, Seattle holds a unique position as a national model for progressive policing and civic leadership.
“I think Seattle, as a city, is truly a leader. A lot of cities look to Seattle and the direction that Seattle goes. And so, I’m glad that I’m a part of this,” he said.
Moments after being sworn in, Barnes outlined his leadership priorities for the Seattle Police Department.
“Crime prevention, community engagement, employee safety and wellness, recruitment and retention, and most importantly, continuous improvement. Those are the priorities that will move the Seattle Police Department forward,” Barnes said.
The ceremony was a family affair as well. Barnes’ wife, Stephanie Dance Barnes, and two of their three children attended the event. Having supported him throughout his career, Dance Barnes expressed pride in both her husband’s achievements and his character.
“You know, at this point I really don’t even have words for it, but none of this I’m surprised about. My husband is one of the hardest working people I know. And, as you can see from a lot of the questions that he was responding to, everything that he’s saying is true and honest and real. He’s not fluff,” said Dance Barnes.
Among the attendees was former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best, the city’s first Black police chief, who reflected on the moment with both nostalgia and optimism.
“Well, what I can say is that it was rewarding. It was nostalgic, but it was wonderful to see an African American sworn in as chief for the city of Seattle,” Best said. “I’ve known Shon Barnes for a decade. He’s a man of quality, an integrity, and I know he’s going to do a good job. So, while I’m sad that I had to leave, I’m so happy that we found the person I think is the right fit at the right time.”
As the event drew to a close, Dance Barnes shared her excitement for both her family and the city.
“He is—what you see is what you get. The same way he is at home, he’s the same way out in his job as well,” said Dance Barnes. “And so, I’m just so very proud of him. I’m so excited for the city of Seattle because you all really have a jewel. He’s a wonderful person.”
