After 25 years of service with the Seattle Police Department (SPD), Sergeant Sean Whitcomb is retiring to pursue a career with Sony Interactive Entertainment.

During his tenure with the City of Seattle, Sean is best known for leading SPD digital communication efforts, building trust and forging relationships on behalf of the Department.

Under Sean’s direction, the SPD Public Affairs team evolved to reflect modern communications practices, creating and maintaining a virtual presence across a broad array of social media channels.

While Sean has many notable achievements, there are a few that stand out:

· Created the SPD anti-swatting registry, co-authored the SPD swatting policy, and served as founder and co-chair of the Swatting Mitigation Advisory Committee. Governor Jay Inslee signed a Swatting Bill (SBH 2632) into law on April 3, 2020.

· Introduced Google Translate API to the SPD Blotter, the first Seattle.gov page to feature this service, a prescient endeavor considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

· Produced Tweets by Beat, SPD’s acclaimed automated crime notification service.

· Launched the SPD Blotter and served as the crime blog’s editor-in-chief.

The most significant testament to Sean’s service, however, remains in the enduring friendship of his peers, as well as the following words of support.

“Sean’s commitment to online safety leaves behind a legacy of best practices for policing in the virtual world. He remains a trusted leader within the Major Cities Chief’s Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police. I’m grateful for both his contributions to the Department and continued friendship.” – Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best

“Sean is recognized in policing circles nationally for his talent, creativity and commitment to community engagement. He successfully led the SPD’s communications operation through very exciting, but also most challenging times.” – Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole (retired)

“I had the privilege to work with Sean for many years and was always impressed with the diligence, commitment and innovative ideas he displayed while forwarding the mission of the Seattle Police Department. He will be sorely missed.” – Seattle Police Chief John Diaz (retired)

“Sean Whitcomb was a trusted voice for the Seattle community during my nine years as Chief. He provided a reasoned and honest perspective about the actions of the department in times of crisis. Seattle and the men and women of the department were fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable individual at the helm of police public affairs.” – Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske (retired)

Sergeant Lauren Truscott will be serving as the Interim Public Affairs supervisor. Lauren has been with the Seattle Police Department for over 20 years.

Lauren is a Seattle native, whose father is a retired Seattle Police Officer with over 30 years of service to the City. She is a graduate of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University.

During her time with the City, Lauren has served as a patrol officer, Community Police Team officer, a Special Assault Unit detective, and a Background Investigations Unit detective. Lauren was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015. She has been a member of the Seattle Police Department’s Honor Guard since 2002, and was named the unit’s Commander in 2016.

Please join the Seattle Police Department in wishing Sean a happy retirement and welcoming Lauren into the Public Affairs Unit.

For media inquiries, you may contact Lauren at lauren.truscott@seattle.gov or 206-518-4933.