Barnes brings a background that includes high-level executive leadership and a focus on evidence-based policing. During his tenure in Seattle, his leadership coincided with an 18% decline in overall crime and a significant surge in homicide clearance rates, which climbed from 57% to 86%. His approach centers on the belief that technology alone is insufficient; successful implementation requires deep organizational alignment, robust training, and a clear understanding of community expectations.

At MissionRT, Barnes will work directly with police chiefs and command staff to integrate new capabilities into existing departmental workflows. His role involves evaluating the efficacy of emerging tools and ensuring that agencies prioritize accountability and readiness. CEO Richard E. Coleman II noted that Barnes’s experience as a former chief provides the company with a perspective that product demonstrations cannot replicate. By focusing on how tools function under the pressures of real-world service, the company intends to help agencies navigate the challenges of modern public safety while maintaining operational stability.