SALISBURY — It was over seven months ago that Shon Barnes was hired by the city of Salisbury as deputy chief of the Police Department.

Barnes was hired to direct the department’s community-oriented policing initiative and neighborhood problem-solving.

Since then, Barnes has implemented initiatives including foot patrols and worked on developing the Stratified Policing Model and other crime-reduction strategies.

Previously, Barnes was commanding officer of the Greensboro Police Department’s training division. He handled training and education for more than 600 members of the Greensboro department.

He spent more than 20 years in Greensboro and held multiple positions, including juvenile victim’s detective, sergeant of the commercial crimes squad, specialized subject control and arrest techniques instructor, and commanding officer of three different divisions.

Barnes said professionally, one of the biggest challenges is continuing the tradition of excellence at the Salisbury Police Department.

Barnes holds a bachelor’s degree in history and prelaw from Elizabeth City State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the leadership studies/community and civic engagement program at N.C. A&T State University.

Shon Barnes
Age: 43

Hometown: Kernersville

Job: Deputy chief, Salisbury Police Department

Birthplace: Ahoskie

Favorite book: “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun” by Reginald Lewis, the autobiography of the richest African-American man in the 1980s.

Who would play you in a movie: Vin Diesel.

What would you want for your last meal: Mom’s baked chicken.

Biggest challenge for you ahead personally: “Defending my discretion.”

Biggest hope for 2018: To see a significant improvement in community/police relations.

Who will you be watching in 2018: “Our elected national leaders to see evidence that they were elected to represent everyone and are representing all citizens whether they voted for them or not and have the interest of all Americans and not a particular group.”

Reaction to being named as one to watch: “Definitely humbled and honored. Surprised. Most importantly, it makes me proud to be considered.”