In the Spotlight: Independent Investigations and OLEO Annual Report

OLEO Insider - Fall 2019

Greetings from the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO). We are pleased to bring you this season’s edition of the OLEO Insider, which shares highlights of our work.

Thanks to those who let us know about browser compatibility issues that resulted in broken links. We’ve worked to resolve the problem, and are resending this edition of the OLEO Insider to make sure you have access to our fall updates, news, and information!

Our first highlight is an editorial by the Seattle Times published earlier this week in support of OLEO’s authority to conduct independent investigations. As the Times editorial board says, "Voters made clear they wanted an accountability agency with actual oversight power, not one that has to shrug off complaints that come before it. A collective bargaining agreement should not hold more power than the will of the people.”

Also check out this recent op-ed by OLEO Director Deborah Jacobs about what statewide internal investigations might look like under I-940, as well as other clips of OLEO in the News.

2018 Annual Report

OLEO continues to advocate for transformative change, and our office provided King County Councilmembers with an update on OLEO’s 2018 activities. OLEO’s Director presented the 2018 OLEO Annual Report to King County Council’s Law and Justice Committee on September 10. Check out her comments (at 1:04:23) to the Council, and the Sheriff’s response at 1:31:10.

OLEO in the Community

Say hello to Jenna Franklin, OLEO’s new Community Engagement Manager. Jenna has collaborated with King County residents and stakeholders since 2001 to equitably design or improve public services that impact the community well-being. Learn more about Jenna and other members of the OLEO team.   OLEO’s Community Advisory CommiOttee on Law Enforcement Oversight (CACLEO) provides input and guidance on policies, procedures, and practices relating to policing in King County with an equity and social justice lens.

Meet our newest member of CACLEO, Vicente Omar Barraza. Vicente “Omar” Barraza is an attorney, equity and social justice champion, community capacity builder, and civil rights advocate.  Omar has more than twenty years of experience in the nonprofit, government, and legal fields where he has worked to improve community conditions and outcomes. Learn more about Omar and the other members of CACLEO. OLEO accepts applications from individuals interested in serving as an appointed member of CACLEO on an ongoing basis. Information about CACLEO meetings dates, times committee membership, and application materials are available on our website.

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