Top contender emerges for Seattle's next police chief, sources say

SEATTLE - Multiple sources are telling FOX 13 this week that Shon Barnes is a top contender to be Seattle's next police chief.

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.

Shon F. Barnes is currently the chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes (City of Madison Police Department)

Sources say Barnes has gone through the vetting process, which includes a background check that only top contenders typically go through.

Chief Barnes is recognized nationally for his expertise in crime reduction and fostering community-police relations. His previous roles include Director of Training and Professional Development at Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability and Deputy Chief of Police in Salisbury, North Carolina. Barnes began his career with the Greensboro Police Department in 2000.

Barnes was inducted into the Evidence-based Policing Hall of Fame.

Barnes has recently made news after speculation that he was looking at other chief positions across the country, including one in San Jose. Last year, he was one of the three finalists to be Chicago’s next Police Superintendent.

What happened to Seattle's last police chief?

In May 2024, Adrian Diaz was dismissed from his position as Seattle Police chief, and since then, the department has been led on an interim basis by former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr.

"Diaz should be commended by putting the needs of the city first," Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said at the time of the announcement. "He has agreed to work on special projects and realized that the kind of cultural change that we want, can be best served by him stepping aside."

He was ousted from his position after multiple allegations of sexual discrimination and retaliation came out against him.

After being forced to step down, Diaz came out as gay in an interview with radio host Jason Rantz on KTTH 770 AM radio.

Diaz was then placed on leave in October before filing a $10 million tort claim against the city.

He had led the department since September 2020, taking over as interim chief for Carmen Best. Two years later, Harrell named Diaz as chief. Diaz had been with the agency since 1997.

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