SPD chief launches new ‘Violent Crime Prevention’ plan to boost public safety

Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes is unveiling a new strategy to “enhance public safety” throughout Seattle.

It’s a three-prong plan, focusing on increasing police visibility, prioritizing arresting and booking repeat violent offenders, and being more aggressive in targeting illegal firearms on city streets.

“Public safety is not just about enforcement—it’s about collaboration,” Barnes wrote. “The support of our city officials, and our community, is vital in ensuring we create long-term, sustainable solutions. I appreciate our ongoing partnerships and look forward to working together to build a safer Seattle.”

What SPD’s crime prevention plan spotlights

Barnes announced he intends to deploy additional uniformed officers through “crime abatement teams” and increase directed officer patrols during random hours to deter violent activity. Barnes stated he wants his department to be more visible, especially in high-crime areas and transit corridors.

SPD is also expected to increase the amount of investigations, focusing especially on removing repeat violent offenders from the streets.

Barnes called this strategy the “Immediate Violent Crime Prevention & Enforcement Plan.”

“Seattle’s safety is a shared responsibility, and I am grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Mayor’s Office, and our City Councilmembers as we work to make our city safer for everyone,” Barnes wrote.

The last emphasis in the plan is using more intelligence-driven policing to break up illegal firearms trafficking and complex narcotics networks.

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