Washington sheriff oversight

King County, Washington

Patti Cole-Tindall, Sheriff $544.6M budget (Adopted 2026-2027 biennium, annualized (Sheriff + Adult & Juvenile Detention, GF operating)) $242/resident
Compare with similar counties · Washington average
Public record requests (MuckRock)

King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight

Founded 2006 K.C. Charter § 265; K.C.C. 2.75.010 et seq.

Independence
65 / 100 limited
LE capability
21 / 40 limited
How these scores are calculated
Independence dimensions
Appointment method Legislative appointment +10 / 20
Term length 4 years +5 / 15
Removal standard For cause only +12 / 20
Budget independence Legislative line item +8 / 15
Subpoena / testimony Subpoena + compel testimony +10 / 10
Records access Full access +5 / 5
Public reports required Yes +5 / 5
Pre-publication review None — published directly +10 / 10
Total 65 / 100
Law-enforcement capability
Discipline authority Advisory +6 / 12
Use-of-force investigation Co-investigates +5 / 10
Evidence access Full access +10 / 10
Civilian composition No civilian requirement 0 / 8
Total 21 / 40
Full scoring methodology →
Jail facilities source: BJS Annual Survey of Jails 2020
Facility Beds
KING COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ADULT AND JUVENILE DETENTION 2,719

King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight reports (113)

Reports, audits, and investigations published by the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight itself, the King County body charged with civilian oversight of the sheriff's office.