Councilmembers say Mayor Katie Wilson asked SPD Chief Shon Barnes to resign
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has announced the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes, with Deputy Chief Andre Sayles appointed as the interim replacement. The move has drawn mixed reactions from city council members regarding the timing and leadership transition.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in major city police departments significantly impact public safety policy and community-police relations.
After multiple Seattle City Councilmembers told KOMO News that Mayor Katie Wilson asked Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign Wednesday night, and that the mayor has confirmed to the council that there will be a "transition" in the Chief's office, the mayor's office officially released a statement announcing the resignation Thursday. RELATED | Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announces SPD Chief Shon Barnes’ resignation The mayor is appointing Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as Interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department, the announcement said. "Chief Barnes has served this department and this city with dedication, and I am grateful for his service," said Mayor Wilson. "The courage and professionalism that the officers of the Seattle Police Department showed deserves to be honored.
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