Description
A national recruitment is underway to attract accomplished, forwardthinking, community-centered leaders to serve as the next Seattle Police Chief for the Seattle Police Department (SPD).
The City of Seattle seeks an experienced law enforcement executive with a demonstrated record of effective organizational leadership, successful change management, responsible stewardship of public resources, productive labormanagement relations, and a clear commitment to building the community partnerships necessary to ensure every neighborhood feels safe and supported.
As the largest municipal law enforcement agency in Washington State, SPD comprises approximately 1,200 authorized sworn officers and more than 600 civilian staff. Reporting directly to the mayor, the Seattle Police Chief serves as a cabinetlevel leader responsible for advancing Seattle’s public safety vision; establishing department goals; overseeing staffing strategy and budget administration; directing policy development; strengthening community relationships; and ensuring organizational alignment in values, operations, and service delivery across the chain of command.
The next Seattle Police Chief must be prepared to address Seattle’s most pressing public safety challenges with innovative, equitable, and evidencedriven strategies that improve the quality of life citywide. This leader will work closely with elected officials, intergovernmental partners, neighborhood organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, and residents to provide expert counsel on policing issues and maintain trust across diverse communities.
The Seattle Police Chief is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a majority vote of the City Council. Relocation is authorized for this position.
Apply by Tuesday, October 27, 2026, for optimal consideration. Candidates are encouraged to submit their application through the City's Job Opportunities Page.
Qualified applicants will be reviewed by an advisory committee appointed by the mayor, which will recommend candidates for participation in the competitive examination process. It is anticipated that the mayor will make a final selection before the end of 2026.
Requirements
Successful candidates will be visionary leaders with an unwavering commitment to safety for all and a thorough understanding of constitutional policing in a major metropolitan area. They bring expertise from their experience in law enforcement leadership, including significant executive-level experience within a complex policing organization. As the next chief, they will build on Seattle’s completed and ongoing reforms, demonstrating their ability to drive positive change and shape culture. Equity will center their decision-making; they actively listen and are committed to justice for everyone. They are trusted partners who act with transparency and compassion. Active engagement and partnerships with the people they serve inform their leadership. They inspire trust, value people, are driven by public service, and consistently act with integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
The Seattle Police Chief position requires certification, or the ability to obtain certification, as a police officer as required by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission: https://cjtc.wa.gov/certification. Additionally, applicants must meet established state requirements to serve as a Police Chief https://cjtc.wa.gov/certification.
