The Chinatown-International District (CID) in Seattle is facing a multitude of pressing challenges, including violent crime, chronic homelessness, and the rampant spread of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Residents and business owners alike grapple with daily threats to safety and persistent street disorder, all while facing an uncertain future.
To address these issues, newly appointed Police Chief Shon Barnes has stepped in with a fresh perspective. Confirmed unanimously by the City Council in July, Barnes is Seattle’s 38th police chief. He previously held the position of chief in Madison, Wisconsin, and served as deputy chief in Salisbury, North Carolina. Known for his data-driven strategies and dedication to community engagement, Barnes aims to create a safer environment in the CID.
Concerns peaked on August 28 when a 21-year-old woman was shot and pistol-whipped at Hoa Mai Park, drawing attention to the troubling trend of violent incidents in the district. The shooter remains at large, adding to the frustration felt by residents.
Barnes is committed to early intervention in preventing violence. He explains, “When someone is shot, when someone is stabbed, there is something that has happened prior to that, so early intervention is crucial. It’s important that good community members and witnesses call us early to let us know when they suspect something could escalate.”
Since taking office, Barnes has set empathy, urgency, and courage as his guiding principles. He has initiated expanded patrols in crime hot spots throughout the CID and collaborated with city departments to install new surveillance cameras. His focus on repeat violent offenders aims to enhance community safety.
Barnes believes that increasing the likelihood of apprehension can reduce property crime. He remarked, “When risk is high, opportunities decrease. We want to make it more likely that perpetrators will be caught and face consequences for their actions.”
Inspired by New York’s CompStat model, Barnes holds regular CSTAT meetings every 28 days, requiring commanders to analyze trends in crime and adjust police deployments accordingly. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the right “dosage” of police presence in different neighborhoods.
Another source of concern for CID residents is the presence of encampments, which contribute to a sense of unmanaged street disorder. Barnes argues that homelessness cannot be solely addressed through law enforcement. He states, “What I hope to bring to the department is a renewed sense of community engagement through neighborhood-oriented policing.”
Drawing from his experience as a public school history teacher, Barnes emphasizes the need for compassion and collaboration in addressing homelessness. He believes that with appropriate investment, those living on the streets can receive the help they need. He states, “It’s not just about where to house them; it’s about making them whole.”
Barnes’s approach has found resonance with voices like Adonis Ducksworth, a Seattle City Council District 2 candidate, who shares a commitment to treating those without homes with dignity. Ducksworth emphasizes the importance of providing job training and housing to help individuals regain their self-respect and societal integration.
A critical issue plaguing the CID is the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Last June, a joint investigation by SPD and federal authorities resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals linked to drug operations in the neighborhood. According to Barnes, these efforts not only interrupted entrenched drug trafficking but also set an example of effective collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
He acknowledges the multifaceted nature of drug abuse and asserts that law enforcement alone cannot address the problem. Barnes notes, “Overdoses are a public health issue, and there aren’t enough police officers to eliminate fentanyl from the streets. We need a comprehensive approach that involves various sectors of society.”
Local business owners in the CID are also facing persistent threats, such as shoplifting, vandalism, and assaults, which have severely impacted the area’s economy. Barnes shares a philosophy shaped by his father’s experience as a small business owner, emphasizing the vital role businesses play in serving their communities.
He explains, “My father taught me that businesses should not be viewed merely as money-making machines. They provide essential services to the community, and the revenue earned is a reflection of their job well done.”
In his pursuit to rebuild trust within the community, Barnes has sought input from various stakeholders, including residents, community organizations, city council members, and business owners. He believes that public safety is a collective responsibility, built on strong partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Barnes’s Seattle-centric policing plan consists of three interconnected pillars: evidence-based crime prevention led by police, community initiatives, and support services. He is committed to transparency and accountability, guiding the operations of the SPD as it seeks to restore public trust.
His strategy also includes the implementation of Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA) zones and real-time surveillance systems to mitigate disorder around businesses. He emphasizes the need to differentiate individuals who require assistance from those who contribute to the community’s challenges.
As Ducksworth highlights, it is essential to ensure that business owners’ voices are considered in policymaking. He states, “When the community provides solutions, it is our responsibility to implement those ideas and make them a reality. We must listen to understand, not just to respond.”
Looking ahead, Barnes recognizes that the challenges facing Seattle are deep-rooted and will require time to address effectively. He highlights the importance of transparency in crime data and police accountability as fundamental to restoring public trust. With plans to hire 120 new officers in 2025, the department is in a rebuilding phase after experiencing a significant drop in personnel.
Barnes acknowledges, “We’re going to make mistakes. I’m going to make some mistakes. But I will own those mistakes, and we will learn and grow from them.”
Emphasizing the need for continuous improvement within the SPD, Barnes concludes: “We’ll analyze our failures to get better as an agency, and these are our priorities moving forward.”
Ultimately, restoring safety in the CID will depend on the commitment and patience of both residents and business owners. The results of Chief Barnes’s initiatives will be closely monitored by city leaders and CID residents in the coming months.
Barnes assures the community: “We’re here to do everything we can to ensure not only that you are safe but that you feel safe as well.”
image source from：nwasianweekly
