Quick Info
| Profession | Law enforcement officer; police chief |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Murfreesboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
Latest News about Shon Barnes
29/07/2026
Reports in July 2026 said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson dismissed Shon Barnes as police chief. Coverage noted that Barnes had held the role since early 2025 after previously leading the Madison Police Department, and that his tenure in Seattle had included a push for data-driven, community-focused policing.
01/07/2025
Seattle’s City Council unanimously confirmed Shon Barnes as the city’s police chief after he had served as interim chief earlier in 2025. He came to Seattle after leading the Madison Police Department and previously worked in Chicago, Salisbury, and Greensboro.
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Shon F. Barnes |
|---|---|
| Known For | Chief of the Seattle Police Department since 2025; former chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin |
| Other Role | Former history teacher |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Bachelor's Degree | B.A. in History/Pre-Law, Elizabeth City State University |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | Master's degree in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati |
| Doctorate | Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University |
Personal Life
| Spouse | Stephanie Dance-Barnes |
|---|---|
| Children | 3 |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|
Career
| Current Position | Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department |
|---|---|
| Previous Positions |
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| Career Start | Fall 2000 |
| Notable Recognition |
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Social Media
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/shon-f-barnes-phd-11aa16160 |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. He began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer in Greensboro, North Carolina. | |
| 2. He previously worked as a public school history teacher. | |
| 3. His doctoral dissertation examined racial profiling in police traffic stops. | |
| 4. He was sworn in as Seattle's Chief of Police in July 2025. |