Shon Barnes, who most recently was the police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, will begin moving into the office on Thursday. Rahr's memo said there will be "some type of welcome/reception in City Hall" on Friday, though she added that planning is still underway.

Shon Barnes will head a department challenged by its last chief's firing, allegations of discrimination, staffing shortages and the vestiges of federal oversight.

The Seattle Police Department’s Interim Chief Sue Rahr will vacate her office Wednesday to make way for new department chief Shon Barnes, according to memo emailed to the department Monday.

Tacoma Chief Avery Moore, on the job since 2022, says he will resign as of Feb. 3. He was placed on a brief leave last year.