King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight

OLEO is an independent civilian-run office that oversees the policies and practices of the King County Sheriff's Office. OLEO 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. We envision a King County where all residents are safe and where no one has unnecessary contact with the criminal legal system.

OLEO’s work encompasses Investigations, Policy and Practices, and Community Engagement. OLEO monitors, reviews, and issues recommendations on misconduct complaint investigations by the Sheriff’s Office, from classification to findings of whether employee conduct violated policy, and determines whether they meet strict standards. OLEO may also conduct its own investigations, including into individual misconduct, use of force, or systems and practices. Our policy work entails reviewing potential policy changes by the Sheriff’s Office, as well as proposing our own changes based on extensive research and analysis. We also work on local and state laws. Communities served by the Sheriff’s Office play an invaluable role in King County’s law enforcement oversight work. OLEO aims to meaningfully engage these diverse stakeholders and communities to participate in the decisions that impact them and to inform our oversight priorities.