Summary

The King County Council on Tuesday appointed Tamer Abouzeid as the new Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).

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The King County Council on Tuesday appointed Tamer Abouzeid as the new Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO).

“Mr. Abouzeid’s compassion and dedication to civil rights was clearly evident in his conversations with community members, OLEO staff and in his interview with the Council,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “I believe he will center the interests of the community and fulfill the mission of OLEO to provide independent oversight and accountability of the Sheriff’s office."

Tamer Abouzeid is an attorney, mediator, community organizer, and policy professional hailing from Chicago where he practices law as part of a large civil rights organization, focusing on issues of discrimination and policing in both litigation and policy. He also acts as legal counsel to the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Tamer worked at Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability, investigating allegations of misconduct against Chicago police officers, including cases of constitutional violations, excessive force, and domestic violence. Prior to that, Tamer worked as an Associate at Shearman and Sterling, LLP, with his practice focused on international arbitration and litigation.

“I look forward to introducing Mr. Abouzeid to the residents of South King County and to the leadership of the cities of Burien and SeaTac which contract with the Sheriff’s office for public safety services,” Upthegrove said.

The King County Council created the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) to provide independent, civilian oversight of the King County Sheriff's Office. OLEO has been in operation since 2011 with voters approving expanded authority to directly investigate misconduct in 2015. 

More information about the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.