Bidding Farewell to Madison Police Chief, Shon F. Barnes Ph.D.

Dear Fellow Management team,

I hope that you are all taking care of yourselves and that this message finds you well. I am writing to share some important news with you all. This morning (PST), I will be introduced (via press release) as the next Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department. This process began long before the tragic events on Monday, and I have decided to delay my official visit to the city of Seattle until early next year. I fully understand that our officers and community are now navigating the emotional aftermath of that tragedy. My immediate responsibility is to support my sworn officers and staff as we come to terms with this devastating event.

It was after much consideration and thought, that I have decided to resign from my position as Chief of Police for the Madison Police Department, effective February 1, 2024, marking the completion of my four-year tenure.

Reflecting on the past four years, I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together. We faced significant challenges, including the aftermath of civil unrest, distrust in policing, and the unprecedented global pandemic. However, through our collective efforts, we have strengthened community-police relations and implemented a crime reduction model known as stratified policing which has created a safer Madison.

Our initiatives, such as the introduction of our version of a tracking system for our Koper Patrols in priority areas, the successful implementation of our first long-term strategic plan in over a decade, and the addition of approximately 14 new officers to our ranks, have all contributed to making our department a leader in exceptional policing.

I am particularly proud of our community engagement efforts, like National Night Out, and Coffee with a Cop. We have the best detectives and investigators in policing! And I am proud of the steps we have taken to support the men and women of our department.

We have taken the first step in the implementation of body-worn cameras with the successful completion of a 90-day Body Worn Camera Pilot Program, the first time in our department’s history. Our department formed community advisory boards that include our youth, and these are just a few examples of how we have modernized and improved our operations.

As I transition out of this role, I firmly believe that the department is in a strong position and will continue to serve as a national model for exceptional policing. I have recommended to the Police Fire Commission that Assistant Chief John Patterson serve as the interim Chief of Police until a permanent replacement is selected. I am confident in his ability to lead our department. 

Thank you for your dedication, support, and hard work over the past few years. It has been an honor to serve alongside you. I am excited to see the continued growth and success of the City of Madison and the Madison Police Department in the future.

Sincerely,

Shon F. Barnes Ph.D.

Chief of Police

Madison Police Department

211 S. Carroll Street

Madison, Wisconsin 53703

Pronouns:  he, him, his

608-266-4664

www.madisonpolice.com