Charter Amendment No. 1 would establish charter-based requirements for a civilian office of law enforcement oversight (OLEO) and a citizen’s advisory committee on law enforcement oversight (Citizen’s Advisory Committee). Both OLEO and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee currently exist pursuant to a council-adopted ordinance. If this charter amendment is approved, they would become charter-based requirements and would require voter approval for amendment or repeal.
Under the charter amendment, OLEO’s authority would be established by ordinance and is anticipated to include the authority to investigate, review and analyze the conduct of county law enforcement officers where there has been a complaint against officers or use of force by them. It is also anticipated to include authority to review resulting internal investigations and disciplinary actions. OLEO would have access to relevant information in department of public safety files and could inspect crime scenes, conduct interviews, and participate in internal investigations and review hearings. It is anticipated OLEO will have authority to publish recommendations and to conduct community outreach. OLEO’s director would be appointed by the council for a four-year term.
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee would advise and report on the work of OLEO, matters of equity and social justice, and opportunities for improvement in department of public safety practices. The committee’s membership would be prescribed by ordinance.
The proposed amendment would further require that for purposes of collective bargaining, matters of civilian oversight of law enforcement that impact wages, hours or working conditions would be negotiated by the executive in consultation with the sheriff.
For questions about this measure, contact: Nick Wagner, King County Council staff,
206-477-0894, nick.wagner@kingcounty.gov
