“This legislation removes the curtain that blocked the public from seeing how the Sheriff’s Office conducted investigations into misconduct,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “This is the single most important step taken to date to restore public confidence in the Sheriff’s Office.”

“The people of King County have asked for transparent and independent review of complaints against Sheriff’s deputies,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “The overwhelming majority of the men and women who work for the Sheriff’s Office have seen their reputations threatened by the actions of a few. This protects the people who put their lives on the line everyday while restoring public confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously.”

In January, Ferguson and Patterson co-sponsored the legislation approved by the Council today. Nine meetings were held by the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee on the proposal. Testimony was heard from the Sheriff’s Office, King County Ombudsman, Seattle Police Department, and King County Auditor, among other officials. Patterson and Ferguson also went to Los Angeles to view a model of successful civilian oversight. That input from professionals led to the adding of voluntary mediation as an option for complainants.

Findings from the Sheriff’s Blue Ribbon Panel supported the major policy direction of the Ferguson/Patterson legislation, and offered some detailed amendments such as moving the oversight board to the legislative branch of government which were included in the final legislation.

The final legislation approved today establishes an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight that reports directly to the King County Council. The office will be responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and to track, monitor and critique the Sheriff’s investigations of allegations. The office will present an annual report showing the results of complaint investigations. The Director of the Office, who will be appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Council, will serve a four-year term and be subject to removal by a majority vote of the Council.

“It is no secret that communities of color have felt at times that law enforcement has delayed or ignored investigating complaints of misconduct involving their own,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “This legislation takes an aggressive and transparent approach to investigating those allegations, along with creating other alternatives to help resolve conflict.”

“This legislation ensures that citizen complaints against law enforcement officers will be investigated thoroughly and publicly,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “It will also allow for two-way communication between the Sheriff’s Office and the public on disciplinary policies and procedures.”

The final legislation also: