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Mayor Harrell Proposes Legislation to Strengthen the Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance 

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced new legislation to strengthen the usability and effectiveness of Seattle’s chronic nuisance properties ordinance. The proposed changes will improve public safety by addressing frequent criminal behavior in and around specific properties. “We are committed to ensuring every Seattle resident feels safe and secure… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Announces New Summer Safety Strategy to Enhance Security, Reduce Crime in Seattle Parks and Public Spaces

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released new details about his administration’s summer safety strategy, representing a comprehensive set of actions to create safer, more accessible parks and public spaces and reduce crime and nuisance activity over the summer months. “Whether you’re watching a fireworks show at Gas Works or… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell to Nominate Chief Barnes for City Council Confirmation Following a Record-Setting First 100 Days    

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he will nominate Police Chief Shon Barnes to the City Council for confirmation after serving 100 days as interim chief. The chief’s effective and energetic first 100 days included getting to know the Seattle community through extensive community engagements and early efforts… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Celebrates Significant Increase in Police Hiring in 2025

Seattle has hired 60 officers in 2025, a 500% improvement compared to this time in 2024. Additional officers will support Mayor Harrell’s commitment to improving safety, building on an almost 25% reduction in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2022. Seattle – Mayor Bruce Harrell joined… [ Keep reading ]

Statement from Mayor Harrell on Council Passage of Crowd Management Ordinance

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the following statement after the City Council approved legislation on the Seattle Police Department’s crowd management policies: “I want to thank the City Council for enacting this crowd management legislation and moving us one step closer to resolving the federal consent decree. “The… [ Keep reading ]

Today: Chief Shon Barnes Marks First Day at the Seattle Police Department

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell welcomed Chief Shon Barnes on his first day as Chief of Police at the Seattle Police Department (SPD). “I’m excited to welcome Chief Barnes to the Seattle Police Department, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our police department and our city,” said… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Celebrates New Permanent Lighting Features in Chinatown-International District to Enhance Community Safety and Vibrancy

New overhead and tree lights will add vibrancy ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell celebrated new overhead and tree lights installed in the Chinatown-International District to support a safe, vibrant environment for residents, workers, and visitors in the neighborhood. New overhead catenary lights were… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Celebrates Progress on Police Recruitment

The Seattle Police Department received over 4,300 officer applications in 2024, the most since 2013 and more than double those received in 2023, and hired 84 officers, the first-time hiring has surpassed separations since 2019. Interested candidates can apply at SeattlePoliceJobs.com SEATTLE – Mayor Bruce Harrell joined outgoing police chief… [ Keep reading ]

What People Are Saying About Shon Barnes, Seattle’s New Police Chief 

Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he has selected Shon Barnes to serve as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Read more about Mayor Harrell’s decision to appoint Shon Barnes here. Here’s what people are saying about Chief Barnes: “Chief Shon Barnes brings to Seattle… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell to Appoint Shon Barnes Seattle’s Next Chief of Police 

Currently the Madison, Wisconsin Chief of Police, Barnes brings to Seattle a record of accomplishment, including implementing solutions that have driven a 67% decrease in homicides, a 40% decrease in auto thefts, and a 19% decrease in reports of shots fired so far in 2024, as well as advancing strategies… [ Keep reading ]