New Law Enforcement Oversight Director Appointed for King County

July 27, 2021

Summary

The King County Council has appointed Tamer Abouzeid, an attorney, mediator, community organizer and policy professional, to serve as the new director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.

Story

The King County Council has appointed Tamer Abouzeid, an attorney, mediator, community organizer and policy professional, to serve as the new director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. He was selected by the council Tuesday afternoon.

Abouzeid is currently an attorney at the Chicago office of a large civil rights organization, focusing on issues of discrimination and policing, and also acts as legal counsel to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. He previously worked at Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigating allegations of misconduct against Chicago police officers.

Abouzeid will officially take over the position effective September 20, 2021.

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QUOTES

“The challenge before our Office of Law Enforcement is steep: build a trusting relationship with and among the diverse communities we serve and our Sheriff’s Office so that we can provide true public safety to all. This will take perseverance, listening, and a focus on common interests so that we provide equitable, fair and effective policing in King County. Tamer Abouzeid brings the combination of experience and drive needed to rise to these challenges. I am delighted to welcome him as our incoming Director of OLEO.” – Council Chair Claudia Balducci

“I would like to welcome Mr. Abouzeid to King County and the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. OLEO is a vital asset for building public trust and confidence in public safety services provided by King County. I wish him the best of luck, and I look forward to working with him to enhance the safety, compassion, and professionalism of the King County Sheriff Department.” – Councilmember Kathy Lambert

“I’m very excited about our new OLEO Director, Mr. Abouzeid. He brings together deep policy expertise with a strong commitment to engaging communities most impacted by policing. And it’s a plus that he’s personable and funny! As chair of the Law and Justice Committee, I look forward to working closely with Tamer to ensure that our region has a much better and more accountable system of public safety.” – Councilmember Girmay Zahilay

“The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight must be a force for transparency and accountability, driven by community. I’m very pleased that Mr. Abouzeid will be bringing his experience doing just that to this important position. From far too many officer involved shootings to systems that have been in place for decades that can harm those who need help the most, particularly in communities of color, the work ahead of OLEO and Mr. Abouzeid is critically important for every resident in King County. I wish him luck and look forward to a strong partnership in the coming years.” – Councilmember Joe McDermott