In 1996 the King County Police Officer’s Guild backed a measure to make the King County Sheriff elected. From 1967-1996, the Sheriff was appointed. What we saw was a public official who could not speak out on your behalf. An appointed Sheriff works for the Council, not you…the voter. We believe that the most important law enforcement official in government should be voted in by the people. The people should have the right to choose. This is done in over 3100 Counties in the United States and it works. If the people do not like the Sheriff, the Sheriff can be voted out of office. This is democracy.

Our model of contracting is unique in this nation. We were one of the first agencies in the state of Washington to negotiate an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. In addition, the proposal to go back to an appointed Sheriff is a proposal to take power from the people and consolidate it in the hands of a few. We urge you to maintain your rights to choose your own leaders.

We recognize the need for changes that Law Enforcement as a whole must address but this change is not one of them. Keep your right to vote. This model saves money by reducing redundant overhead costs. The Sheriff’s Office is routinely contacted by people throughout the country inquiring about our unique model of law enforcement. They want to know how we do it, how it all works. Services are cost shared across jurisdictions saving money. More importantly, accountability for actions reach directly to the Officer and Deputy on the street who realize that our services can be obtained elsewhere. This accountability model is ultimately manifested in an elected Sheriff who is accountable to the people.

Contact the King County Council, tell them you deserve the right to Vote!