Summary

Executive Constantine and Sheriff Cole-Tindall announced the launch of a new Community Advisory Board for the King County Sheriff’s Office that will support and advise on creating a just, dynamic, and responsive public safety system. Recruitment for the board is now open.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall announced the launch of a new Community Advisory Board for the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) that will bring together public safety experts, community members, and advocates to support and advise in the creation of a just, dynamic, and responsive public safety system.

The advisory board is part of a renewed partnership with the community stemming from the new plans Sheriff Cole-Tindall shared in July regarding how KCSO will transform the way it delivers public safety.

“Our ability to deliver genuine safety in King County depends on bringing the community into the process, ensuring that diverse experiences and perspectives can help shape a robust and effective public safety network,” said Executive Constantine. “I look forward to partnering with this group to provide accountability and tackle root causes to bring about systemic change.”

“As a premier law enforcement agency, we must continue to center our work on accountability, equity, and the vision and values of the communities we so proudly serve,” said Sheriff Cole-Tindall. “I am honored to work with a panel of King County community members who share our commitment to evaluating and reimagining how we can enhance trust and preserve public safety.”

The Community Advisory Board will have between 10 – 15 members, selected to represent different backgrounds and geographies reflective of the communities where KCSO provides policing. The group will be comprised of residents living in both urban and rural areas, and individuals affiliated with BIPOC groups, civic organizations, and business groups. Additionally, the board will strive to include youth and individuals with prior justice system involvement.

Individuals interested in serving on the Community Advisory Board should submit a letter of interest, explaining their desire and qualifications. More information about the board and details on the application process can be found here. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2023.

The board's first meeting will take place in March 2023, and the organization’s charter will be finalized and the work program for the year will be set at that time.

Relevant links

• King County Sheriff’s Office | Community Advisory Board
• Public advisory committee and reorganization for King County Sheriff’s Office under new plan from Sheriff Cole-Tindall and Executive Constantine | July 2022
• Executive Constantine’s Priority Areas | Safety for All

Quotes

Our ability to deliver genuine safety in King County depends on bringing the community into the process, ensuring that diverse experiences and perspectives can help shape a robust and effective public safety network. I look forward to partnering with this group to provide accountability and tackle root causes to bring about systemic change.

As a premier law enforcement agency, we must continue to center our work on accountability, equity, and the vision and values of the communities we so proudly serve. I am honored to work with a panel of King County community members who share our commitment to evaluating and reimagining how we can enhance trust and preserve public safety.

For more information, contact:

Captain Tim Meyer, King County Sheriff's Office, 206-255-0778