Crime

Mayor Katie Wilson Opens up Search for the Next Police Chief of Seattle

James Sawyer
August 28, 2026

Mayor Katie Wilson, on Tuesday, has officially opened up the search for the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department, just one month after relieving former police chief Shon Barnes of his role. She has laid certain qualifications for the role along with the following steps in the process.

She asks for a leader who understands public safety and making sure it works hand in hand with public trust. The new Chief must also be visible, accountable and present in the neighborhoods and its residents and businesses across the city.

The New Chief should also be impactful in designing a public safety system that matches the city’s values and priorities. They should also be able to create collaborative efforts with residents, businesses, advocates, City Council and law enforcement partners.

Wilson has revealed that the search begins in August and is expected to be completed by the start of 2027. She is expected the establish a search committee with experience in public safety and policing.  The committee will be cochaired by Mary Yu who is a retired judge from the Washington Supreme Court and the King County Superior Court and Ian Warner who previously served as Public Policy Director at Zillow. A public surgery and public forums will be dispatched to also ensure community participation from throughout the city.

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