King County Charter Amendments
1 . Inquests
Currently, the law is unclear about which deaths involving law enforcement require an inquest (a formal fact finding process). During the inquest process, county funded legal representation is provided to the law enforcement officers, but not to the families of the individuals who have died in their care.
WHAT it does:
This amendment clarifies that an inquest is required when an “action, decision, or possible failure to offer appropriate care by a member of a law enforcement agency might have contributed to a person’s death.” It specifies that agencies include local or state agencies including jails or corrections. It also provides the option of a public defender for the family of the person who has died.
WHY we need it:
To build public trust by ensuring that the families, the public and law enforcement are served by an inquest process they can understand and count on.
ACTION: Vote YES in November!
NOTE: The ACLU of Washington has not taken a position on any of the amendments. People Power is the grassroots arm of the ACLU - while we adhere to ACLU principles, we are volunteer-driven and do not work for or officially represent the ACLU. People Power activists work in and from their local communities to further civil rights and liberties for all.