County Council appoints Cheryle Broom as Interim Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight

November 16, 2015

Summary

Former County Auditor to oversee operation of agency responsible for ensuring integrity of complaint and internal investigations process in Sheriff’s Office

Story

Cheryle Broom, who served as the King County Auditor for over a decade, was today appointed by the Metropolitan King County Council as the Interim Director of the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).

Broom, who retired as County Auditor in 2013, brings four decades of auditing and performance management experience to OLEO. Prior to directing the Auditor’s Office, Broom was the First Deputy Inspector General for the New York State Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Legislative Auditor for the Washington State Legislative Review Audit Committee.

“Cheryle Broom’s background and history as our County Auditor will serve her very well in her duties as Interim OLEO Director,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “She will ensure the framework in place to investigate concerns raised by the public on the actions of Sheriff deputies and to build community accountability will continue to function in this important office.”

“Ms. Broom brings great skill and experience to her position as Interim Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”

Broom will direct the office while the national search for a permanent OLEO Director continues.

Created by the County Council in 2009, the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight is an independent King County agency responsible for ensuring the integrity of the King County Sheriff’s Office complaint and internal investigations processes. The Council established the agency to ensure accountable and transparent policing in King County, and to restore public trust and confidence in the deputies who worked for the King County Sheriff.

This month, King County voters adopted a charter amendment establishing OLEO as a charter-based agency, expanding its scope and authority and making the appointment of the OLEO Director and the members of the agency’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee the responsibility of the Council and not the County Executive.