Seattle Searches for New Police Chief as Residents Demand Change

Seattle's search for a new permanent police chief is moving forward as residents weigh in on what they want from the next leader of the Seattle Police Department. The search has drawn 23 applicants, including candidates with previous Seattle Police Department or Seattle-area law enforcement experience. Two current Seattle Police Department leaders have confirmed they want the job: Assistant Chief Robert Brown and Capt. Dan Nelson. Brown, who leads SPD's Patrol Operations, has spent nearly three decades with the Seattle Police Department. During Seattle's community forums on the police chief search, residents raised concerns including open-air drug markets, street crime, police accountability and the need for a chief who understands Seattle. Brown attended the final community forum and listened to residents discuss their priorities. Asked what he would bring to the job, Brown pointed to stability, experience, respect, knowledge of SPD and strong community connections. Brown declined to lay out a detailed agenda during the forum, saying he was there to listen rather than promote his candidacy. Dan Nelson has also confirmed he applied to become Seattle's next police chief. Nelson recently helped coordinate the Seattle Police Department's security efforts for the FIFA World Cup and says he believes SPD's current structure is too top-heavy. Nelson argues too much authority is concentrated at central headquarters and says he would give Seattle's five police precincts additional resources and flexibility. Nelson's candidacy also comes after Seattle settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed in 2024 by four female police officers. The lawsuit accused department leaders, including Nelson and former Police Chief Adrian Diaz, of sexual harassment. Both men denied the allegations. Seattle paid $2.6 million to settle the lawsuit without admitting liability. It remains unclear whether Interim Police Chief Andre Sayles has applied for the permanent position. Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Sayles interim chief following the departure of former Police Chief Shon Barnes in July. Wilson launched a national search for Seattle's next permanent police chief in August, with the city gathering community feedback through surveys and public forums. Seattle's Chief of Police Search Advisory Committee will evaluate candidates based on executive leadership experience, law enforcement qualifications and priorities identified by residents. The committee can recommend up to five candidates to move forward to a competitive examination. Finalist interviews with Mayor Wilson are expected later in the process, with the mayor anticipating a final selection by the beginning of 2027. Today's report examines Seattle's police chief search, Robert Brown, Dan Nelson, Andre Sayles, Mayor Katie Wilson, SPD leadership, open-air drug markets, street crime, police accountability and the future of public safety in Seattle. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Seattle crime, the Seattle Police Department, public safety, Mayor Katie Wilson and Washington state news. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #Seattle #SeattlePolice #SPD #PublicSafety #SeattleCrime #KatieWilson #PoliceChief #SeattleNews #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus