Seattle mayor launches national search for new police chief
Aug 26, 2026, 5:58 AM
A Seattle Police Department (SPD) vehicle. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has launched a national search for the next city police chief.
“I am looking for a leader who understands that public safety starts with public trust. It is a trust that is earned every single day. Seattle’s next Chief of Police must be visible, accountable, and present in our neighborhoods, listening to residents, workers, and businesses across our city. We need a leader who will also be present and engaged within SPD, with a focus on operational excellence, leadership development, and internal culture, ensuring that SPD is a great place to work and that every employee does their part to build relationships with the communities this department serves,” Mayor Wilson said. “The next Chief will play an integral role in shaping not just the department’s culture, but the future of public safety in Seattle. This is a pivotal moment to design a public safety system that matches our city’s values and priorities, and I intend to get it right.”
The department is currently being led by interim Chief Andre Sayles after Chief Shon Barnes was asked to resign.
You can fill out a survey of what you’d like to see in the next police chief here.
Wilson will establish a Chief of Police Search Advisory Committee to be composed of law enforcement executive professionals and community leaders with direct experience in public safety and policing matters to evaluate candidates based on community input and recommend candidates to the mayor.
The planned timeline for the chief of police search is:
- August: Job posting and announcement
- September-October: Community outreach and engagement
- October-November: Candidate review with advisory committee
- November-December: Candidate Examination and finalist interviews with the mayor
The mayor is expected to announce her selection in early 2027.
“Successful candidates will be visionary leaders with an unwavering commitment to safety for all and a thorough understanding of constitutional policing in a major metropolitan area. They bring expertise from their experience in law enforcement leadership, including significant executive-level experience within a complex policing organization. As the next chief of police, they will build on Seattle’s completed and ongoing reforms, demonstrating their ability to drive positive change and shape culture. The position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum job requirements and demonstrate alignment with the qualifications described,” the mayor’s office said.
