King County Sheriff's Office receives fewer complaints

The agency responsible for handling complaints filed against the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has seen a two-year decline in the number of cases filed, according to its just-released 2023 annual report.

The Law Enforcement Oversight Office (OLEO) investigates complaints of misconduct and critical use of force made by members of the public and sheriff's personnel.

The office recorded 282 complaints in 2023, a 16% decrease from 2022 and a 34% decrease from 2021. It also reported that 78% of these complaints were filed by community members and 22 % came from internal KCSO.

Of these complaints, OLEO certified 68 for investigation, representing an 87% increase from 2022.

OLEO represents all areas of King County except incorporated cities that do not contract with the Sheriff's Department for police services.

In 2023, a quarter of the Sheriff's Office's sworn employees (186 out of 736) received at least one complaint from a community member. Among sworn employees, 15% received one allegation, 6% received two allegations and 4% received three allegations. Nine MPs received at least three allegations in 2022 and 2023.

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Among investigations closed in 2023, more than three-quarters (79%) of external allegations fully investigated resulted in the exoneration of a Sheriff's Office employee or a finding that the allegations were unfounded.

In total, 12% of allegations investigated were substantiated, including those made through expedited investigations and resulting in performance-related training provided to an employee, according to the report.

The office ended 2023 with findings in 250 cases, including some cases started the previous year.

Of the upheld complaints, nine involved a deputy performing substandardly, six for lack of courtesy, two for directive violations and one for abuse of authority. OLEO did not find evidence to support 72 complaints of excessive force or 20 complaints of discrimination.

Only two MPs were suspended for their actions. Others received additional training and verbal guidance.

The King County Council is expected to formally accept the report at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public policy for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Matt's stories here. Follow him on Xor send him an email here.

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