MADISON, Wis. — Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes may be leaving the Badger State.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell appointed Barnes as the new Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) on Friday. The appointment comes after a nationwide search for a new chief.

“Earlier this week, under tragic circumstances, the nation received its introduction to Chief Shon Barnes. We all saw firsthand what our team has known since we began this recruitment process — that Chief Barnes possesses the impressive leadership capabilities, compassionate approach and dedication to effective police work needed to continue moving our Police Department forward,” Harrell said. “I’ve spoken with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to express my condolences and support as they process this week’s tragedy and to share my continued commitment to fighting for solutions to the gun violence epidemic that impacts every corner of our country through our shared work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.” 

On Monday, Dec. 16, a 15-year-old female student killed another teenage student and a teacher at a private Christian school in Madison, police said. The shooter also died. Another six people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening,” according to police.

Barnes has been the Madison Police chief since 2021. Harrell noted Barnes’ 2024 accomplishments, which have included “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.” There’s also been a 36% decrease in burglaries in Madison this year.

Barnes also implemented strategies to diversify the Madison Police Deprtament (MPD), which now has a force where 28% of its officers are women.

Should Barnes be confirmed by Seattle’s city council, Harrell said Barnes would start in Jan. 2025. Harrell said if confirmed, Barnes will have a series of community meetings within the city’s neighborhoods.

“Chief Barnes will bring proven experience and a forward-looking vision to help us realize our ‘One Seattle’ commitment to safety for every person in every neighborhood,” the mayor said.

Barnes has been a police officer for 24 years, working in multiple North Carolina cities, Chicago and Madison. He also has more than 12 years of police command-level experience.

“I am truly honored to accept this position and thank Mayor Harrell for his trust and confidence. The mayor and I share a vision that crime prevention and community safety is a shared responsibility and that every community member plays a role in keeping Seattle safe,” Barnes said. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation, and resilience. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Seattle Police Department to uphold these core values.”  

Mayor Rhodes-Conway released the following statement later on Friday congratulating Barnes:

“I would like to congratulate Chief Shon Barnes on his new opportunity in Seattle and thank him for his service to Madison. The Chief has been a steady, forward-thinking leader throughout his tenure and he will be greatly missed.  

"The tragedy this week has been all-consuming, and we still have much healing to do as a community. I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion. Chief Barnes was at the center of coordinating local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during an unprecedented moment. He did so admirably.  

"I also want to highlight the Chief’s collaborative efforts with the Public Health Violence Prevention Unit, the Madison Fire Department's CARES program, and community groups dedicated to empowering young people over his tenure. He strengthened Madison’s holistic, data-driven approach to public safety. Our City is safer and more resilient as a result. 

"The Madison Police and Fire Commission is responsible for hiring Chief Barnes’ successor. In the coming weeks, we expect the Commission to outline its search plan for a new leader for the Madison Police Department. An interim Chief will likely be appointed during the recruitment process. In the meantime, there will be an orderly transition period to ensure continuity in police operations.  

"On behalf of the City of Madison, I want to offer my deepest appreciation to Chief Barnes. We wish you the best of luck in the Emerald City, and you will always be welcome in Madison.”

Barnes holds a PhD from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in leadership studies, a master of science from the University of Cincinnati in criminal justice and a BA from Elizabeth City State University in history and pre-law.

Barnes is married to Stephanie Dance-Barnes, a leader in higher education and an “expert in cancer biology.” The couple has three children. 

According to Harrell, other accomplishments Barnes touts include:

• Inducted into the Policing Hall of Fame at George Mason University’s Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy in 2024
• Recognized as a National Institute of Justice Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science Scholar
• Member of National Policing Institute’s Council on Policing Reforms and Race
• Member of officer safety and wellness committee as part of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
• Subject matter expert for U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
• Subject matter expert for the U.S. Department of Justice on police leadership, critical incident reviews, use of force practices, constitutional policing standards, and compliance with federal consent decrees. 
• Recognized for accomplishments and scholarship by National Institute of Justice and Radford University’s Center for Police Practice, Policy and Research
• Named as an HBCU Living Legend in 2023
• Co-founder of the 54th Mile Project
• Developed curriculum on police and race that is used nationally