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About the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
Our values
Vision
We envision a King County where all residents are safe and where no one has unnecessary contact with the criminal legal system
Mission
The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight is dedicated to improving the lives of King County residents through its independent oversight of the Sheriff's Office. We aim to further policing standards that are driven by community and rooted in equity through objective reviews, independent investigations, and evidence-based policy recommendations.
History and legislation
Per the recommendation of King County Sheriff’s Blue Ribbon Panel, the Metropolitan King County Council created the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) to ensure the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the Sheriff’s Office in misconduct investigations and to foster greater community trust in the Sheriff's Office. Bob Ferguson, Larry Phillips and Larry Gossett were prime sponsors of this historic legislation, an important first step towards independent and empowered systems of law enforcement oversight in King County.
View a timeline of the history of OLEO in graphic format
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2005 |
The Seattle P-I runs the first of its series Conduct Unbecoming, which highlights problems with police practices within the Sheriff’s Office. These articles spark dialogue about the need for oversight of the Sheriff’s Office. |
| October 2006 |
The King County Council creates the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight via Ordinance Enactment 15611. The Office is intended to ensure the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the King County Sheriff’s Office in misconduct investigations and to foster greater trust in the Sheriff’s Office. The King County Policy Officer’s Guild (KCPOG) promptly challenges OLEO’s oversight role as an Unfair Labor Practice, which takes nearly three years to resolve. |
| May 2009 |
The original authority established under Ordinance Enactment 15611 is revised through the King County Council’s adoption of Ordinance Enactment 16511, which modified OLEO rights and responsibilities that reflect negotiations with KCPOG. |
| October 2011 | OLEO operations begin. |
| November 2015 |
King County voters approve Charter Amendment 1, expanding the scope of OLEO’s authority including independent investigations. The Charter amendment also enhances the role of OLEO’s community advisory committee. |
| April 2017 |
The King County Council adopts Ordinance Enactment 18500 to implement Charter Amendment 1. These powers are still subject to collective bargaining. |
| April 2017 | Collective bargaining discussions begin. |
| February 2020 | King County Executive signs new Collective Bargaining Agreement. |
Information about the current collective bargaining agreement
The most recent collective bargaining agreement covers January 2022 to December 2024. See Article 21 for information about OLEO’s role and powers.
Who we serve
Our jurisdiction covers any area where the King County Sheriff's Office operates. This includes unincorporated King County, the King County airport, and Metro and Sound Transit. As well as the following partner cities:
Map of unincorporated King County
Sheriff's Office precincts and contract cities
