In Seattle City Council appointment process, SPD Chief Barnes weighs in on crowd control, camera tech, and school officers UPDATE Addresses clashes in Los Angeles as protest blocks Seattle immigration court

The Seattle City Council's public safety committee is set to confirm Shon Barnes as the new chief of the Seattle Police Department after weeks of interim leadership. Barnes prioritizes rebuilding trust with marginalized communities and aims to grow the ranks of SPD officers. He plans to enhance the department's use of camera technology, citing its effectiveness in recent crime investigations. In his responses to the committee, he raised concerns about the potential misuse of surveillance data by federal agencies, emphasizing the need for responsible data management. Barnes advocates for a “less is more” approach to crowd control during protests, promoting proactive communication with the community.

He also expressed interest in integrating private surveillance systems with SPD's Real Time Crime Center. The council's meeting will allow for public discourse on these policing strategies and their implications for community relations. This appointment comes as the city considers expanding surveillance technology initiatives to enhance public safety.