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Interim Seattle Police Chief Sean Barnes lays out vision, priorities and early steps
Summary
Interim Chief Sean Barnes told the City Council’s Public Safety Committee he will pursue a departmental work plan, increase non‑sworn investigative support, implement ‘stratified policing’ and press retention and recruitment efforts as short‑term priorities.
Interim Seattle Police Chief Sean Barnes told the City Council Public Safety Committee on Feb. 5 that his immediate priorities are a departmental work plan, recruiting and retention, increasing non‑sworn investigative support and implementing what he called “stratified policing.”
Barnes, introduced at the committee meeting by Chair Robert Kettle, framed his public remarks around a five‑pillar vision “to create a safe and supportive Seattle through our commitment to excellence, selfless public service, resilience, community partnerships, and continuous improvement.” He said the department will publish assessment documents and a progress rubric on pending recommendations from outside reviews.
Why it matters: The remarks come as the department completes multiple outside reviews and as councilmembers press for measurable steps on investigations,…
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