Seattle leaders are starting a national search for the city’s next police chief.
Seattle leaders are starting a national search for the city’s next police chief, kicking off a process that will include several public listening sessions in neighborhoods across the city.
The search comes after former Chief Shon Barnes resigned July 30, following Mayor Katie Wilson’s reported request that he step down.
Wilson’s decision came in the days after gunfire erupted during the Bite of Seattle festival, resulting in three deaths, including a suspected shooter, and at least four wounded, among them a 2-year-old.
A 15-year-old was arrested and charged with assault, while police continued searching for other suspected participants.
Both Wilson and Barnes faced questions over communication after it took nearly five hours for officials to give the public key updates about the shooting, and Barnes was criticized for attending a police conference in Dallas at the time.
She said interim Chief Andre Sayles would ensure the investigation continued without disruption and she emphasized that the next permanent chief will be selected for leadership, public communication, and a steady presence in the community.
Seattle Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state.
The city said its next chief will oversee policy, budget, staffing and relationships with residents, advocates, City Council members, businesses and law enforcement groups.
The search is structured by the City Charter and is open to candidates with executive experience in complex police agencies and a strong background in constitutional policing.
Wilson said she will create a Chief of Police Search Advisory Committee, which will include law enforcement leaders and community members with experience in public safety and policing.
The committee will use input from a public survey, community listening sessions, and other engagement to recommend candidates to the mayor.
Three public listening sessions, hosted by the Seattle Neighborhood Group, are scheduled in neighborhoods across the city from Sept. 26 through Sept. 30.
- Sept. 26 at Van Asselt Community Center in south Seattle from 12-2 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 28 at Seattle University from 6-8 p.m.
- The final session is Wednesday, Sept. 30 at North Seattle College from 6-8 p.m.
Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register.
The city expects to announce its new chief early in 2027.
