Seattle Mayor Appoints Interim Police Chief Amid Search for Permanent Leader

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced on Friday that she had asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign and appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief of the Seattle Police Department. At a City Hall news conference, Wilson said the city will follow the charter-mandated process for selecting a permanent chief and will involve community members in forming the search committee.

Interim Chief Sayles told reporters that the investigation into the recent Seattle Center shooting remains a top priority and that police presence at summer events will be increased. He thanked the mayor for her confidence in his leadership and noted his 20-plus years of law-enforcement experience, including a prior stint as chief of police in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Wilson said the new chief should limit travel, handle criticism constructively and be able to adjust course with grace. She added that the city needs stronger communication between the police department and the mayor’s office following the mass shooting that left three dead and four injured.

Former Chief Barnes will receive a lump-sum settlement of roughly $600,000, retain a $50,000 signing bonus and a $60,000 relocation benefit, and will not be seeking the permanent chief position. Sayles, who is friends with Barnes, acknowledged Barnes’ contributions over the past year.

The mayor emphasized that community engagement will be built into every stage of the chief-search process.