King County Charter Amendments

4.
Office of Law Enforcement Oversight:
Subpoena Authority

Currently, the Sheriff’s office can refuse to share information with the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) - our King County civilian oversight body.

WHAT it does:

  • This amendment gives OLEO the authority to legally require (subpoena) the Sheriff’s office to share documents, witnesses and other evidence when investigating police conduct. 

WHY we need it: 

  • OLEO needs to be able to access information for effective oversight.

  • Subpoena power is an essential and standard oversight tool to ensure that police can be held accountable for their actions.

ACTION: Vote YES in November!

 

Hear from King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles as she talks about the history of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) and the long time opposition from the the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) that has led to a watering down of OLEO's ability to hold KCSO accountable.

 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.