MADISON (WKOW) — Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes will be named Seattle's next top cop, that city's mayor announced on Friday.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a post on the city's website that he will appoint Barnes to the position.
The mayor is expected to welcome Barnes to Seattle in January.
In recent weeks, Barnes had emerged as a finalist for the Seattle job, according to published news reports.
On Monday, Barnes was thrust into the national spotlight after a deadly school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. The shooter, along with a teacher and student, died in the attack.
“Earlier this week, under tragic circumstances, the nation received its introduction to Chief Shon Barnes. We all saw firsthand what our team has known since we began this recruitment process – that Chief Barnes possesses the impressive leadership capabilities, compassionate approach, and dedication to effective police work needed to continue moving our Police Department forward,” said Harrell in a statement. “I’ve spoken with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to express my condolences and support as they process this week’s tragedy and to share my continued commitment to fighting for solutions to the gun violence epidemic that impacts every corner of our country through our shared work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.”
In 2023, Barnes was considered a finalist for the job of Chicago police superintendent, but ultimately was not selected for the role.
Barnes has been Madison's top cop since February of 2021.
“I am truly honored to accept this position and thank Mayor Harrell for his trust and confidence. The mayor and I share a vision that crime prevention and community safety is a shared responsibility and that every community member plays a role in keeping Seattle safe,” said Barnes. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation, and resilience. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Seattle Police Department to uphold these core values.”
Throughout his time in Wisconsin's capital city, Barnes has advocated for body-worn cameras for all officers. He's also argued for school resource officers to be reinstated in the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Barnes has been a public school teacher and a school resource officer himself.
Before taking the Madison job, Barnes was the director of training and professional development for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago. Prior to that, he was the deputy chief of police in Salisbury, North Carolina (2017-2020) and a captain with the Greensboro, North Carolina Police Department, where he began his career as a patrol officer in the fall of 2000.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released the following statement on Barnes' departure:
“I would like to congratulate Chief Shon Barnes on his new opportunity in Seattle and thank him for his service to Madison. The Chief has been a steady, forward-thinking leader throughout his tenure and he will be greatly missed.
The tragedy this week has been all-consuming, and we still have much healing to do as a community. I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion. Chief Barnes was at the center of coordinating local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during an unprecedented moment. He did so admirably.
I also want to highlight the Chief’s collaborative efforts with the Public Health Violence Prevention Unit, the Madison Fire Department's CARES program, and community groups dedicated to empowering young people over his tenure. He strengthened Madison’s holistic, data-driven approach to public safety. Our City is safer and more resilient as a result.
The Madison Police and Fire Commission is responsible for hiring Chief Barnes’ successor. In the coming weeks, we expect the Commission to outline its search plan for a new leader for the Madison Police Department. An interim Chief will likely be appointed during the recruitment process. In the meantime, there will be an orderly transition period to ensure continuity in police operations.
On behalf of the City of Madison, I want to offer my deepest appreciation to Chief Barnes. We wish you the best of luck in the Emerald City, and you will always be welcome in Madison.”
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