information from King County

King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci issued the following statement regarding the findings of an investigation into complaints against Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) Director Deborah Jacobs:

“In response to a complaint lodged against the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) director earlier this year, the King County Council commissioned an independent, workplace investigation by an external firm. In June and July, King County councilmembers reviewed the investigation report closely and held several conversations during executive sessions about next steps. 

“At tomorrow’s Employment and Administration Committee meeting, I will be introducing a proposal to accept the findings of the independent investigation.

“The OLEO director’s appointment was up for renewal in June this year. I will be recommending the Council not reappoint the OLEO director.

“Over the past four years Deborah Jacobs has worked diligently to fulfill OLEO’s mission to hold the King County Sheriff’s Office accountable for providing fair and just police services. However, it is my recommendation that in order for OLEO to continue to fulfill its mission and to continue to build on the past four years’ progress, the agency will benefit from new leadership.”