Councilmember Riveras statement on appointment of Shon Barnes as Police Chief

In her recent statement, Councilmember Maritza Rivera welcomed the appointment of Shon Barnes as Seattle's new Chief of Police by Mayor Bruce Harrell. She commended Barnes for his extensive law enforcement experience and strong reputation, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with him as she has with previous SPD Chiefs. Rivera also thanked Interim Chief Sue Rahr for her commitment to public safety in District 4 and Seattle as a whole. Her statement raised urgent concerns about increasing crime rates and ongoing staffing shortages within the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Rivera emphasized the need for open communication with Barnes to develop strategies for combating crime and improving officer hiring and retention.

Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity of working with regional partners like the King County Executive and Sound Transit to ensure safety in public transportation systems. This proactive engagement demonstrates Rivera's commitment to addressing public safety challenges in her district and the city, serving as a call to action for collaborative efforts to make Seattle safer for all.