(The Center Square) – The timing of Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes’ first Year in Review address touting dropping crime rates could be considered unfortunate, coming in the aftermath of recent multiple homicides in the city.
Two Rainier Beach High School students were killed at a bus stop on Friday, and another man was killed in a separate shooting in Pioneer Square early Sunday.
“This is not a victory lap,” Barnes said, after acknowledging the killings, from the Northwest African American Museum on Monday. “This is the first lap in a long marathon toward public safety.”
The recent violence didn’t stop the chief from noting positive year-end 2025 crime data in the Emerald City and plans for the upcoming year.
“And although we understand that no amount of crime in our city is ever acceptable, we are proud to report that in 2025 we saw an 18% overall reduction in crime citywide,” Barnes said.
Seattle experienced 37 homicides in 2025, which is 36% fewer than the 58 people killed in 2024. This is the lowest level of homicides since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, SPD solved 86% of those homicide cases.
“That means SPD brought some measure of closure to 32 of 37 families affected by a tragic homicide,” Barnes said.
The 86% clearance rate also represents a substantial improvement over the department’s 2024 clearance rate of 57% and surpasses the 61% national average.
SPD data shows a decrease in both violent incidents and injuries, with an 8% reduction in aggravated assaults and a 36% drop in victims struck by gunfire.
In 2025, stolen vehicle incidents decreased by 24%, resulting in 1,821 fewer victims than the previous year.
Burglaries decreased by 18% last year, translating into 1,571 fewer victims.
SPD hired 167 officers in 2025, a net increase of 94 officers.
The department saw the fewest number of officer separations since 2016, “with only 62 officers leaving our department,” Barnes said.
The chief attributed the improved crime statistics to greater collaboration among patrol, detectives and the new Real-Time Crime Center. The RTCC assisted in 45% of homicide cases within months of launching, the chief said. This collaborative approach, which integrates technology, field intelligence and investigative support, aims to improve public safety and community trust.
The community played a major role, too, Barnes pointed out.
“Our ability to solve 86% of last year’s homicide cases suggests we are improving in the most important category of all: community trust,” he said.
The Center Square asked the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs about Seattle’s improving crime statistics.
“The 2025 Crime in Washington Report will be compiled this spring for release this summer,” WASPC Communications Consultant Barbara Smith emailed The Center Square. “So WASPC doesn’t have verified crime statistics for Seattle or other jurisdictions at this point.”
She did note that overall crime rates in Washington were down in 2024.
The Center Square also reached out to the Seattle Police Officers Guild – which has consistently criticized Seattle city leadership for what it claims are dangerous policies like limiting drug arrests and pushing defund the police ideologies – for comment, but did not receive a reply.
Last week, outgoing SPOG President Mike Solan publicly criticized Mayor Katie Wilson’s plans to bar federal immigration enforcement from using city-controlled property and to have city police verify the identification of federal agents.
Crime was a major issue in last year’s mayoral race between then-Mayor Bruce Harrell and Wilson. Harrell, elected in 2021 on a law-and-order platform, ran on his record of increasing police staffing, clearing homeless encampments, and promoting a centrist approach.
Wilson, a community organizer, ran on a progressive platform focusing on affordable housing, alternatives to police responses, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Barnes outlined a 2026 plan focused on continuing to reduce crime, expanding community policing and increasing officer staffing.
SPD has been highlighting a new, monthly community conversation series called Our City, Our Safety. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Loyal Heights Community Center.
“And this is the work they do each and every day, and I am so proud to lead this department, and proud of your continued support, your continued partnership, and I look forward to the work that we have ahead of us in the new year, 2026,” Barnes said.
