Let’s make it the Year of Increasing the Public’s Safety

In general, a Sheriff’s Office has a unique relationship with most of its residents. Often I hear from folks that although they don’t have to hear from us all the time, when they need us, they want us instantly.

King County’s Sheriff Office has gone through several major transitions since I arrived on the job three years ago. We have been thoroughly examined by outside review panels, County Council-backed teams of questioners, newspaper “investigations” and our own internal processes (which may get far less publicity, but often identify problems before they become headlines).   Through it all, I have worked to maintain the transparency of the Sheriff’s Office.

Public safety is among the top four concerns of almost every major urban area. It is my goal to improve communication with the public and understand what citizens think, believe and expect.

During the past year, King County citizens were asked several times about their thoughts of the Sheriff’s Office –and we have been pleased by the results. Constituents feel safe in their own neighborhoods in the day, and though they are more apprehensive about safety after dark, a solid majority feels safe at night as well.

Just recently, a poll in rural King County conducted by Consumer Opinion Surveys found that residents in unincorporated King County were more familiar with the services of the Sheriff’s Office than any other county service. More importantly, they rated the services with a high satisfaction level. Last year the citizens of Burien shared that sentiment as they were considering an annexation to Seattle.  The bottom line is that overall county-wide polls continue to record high marks for the protection we provide.   For that, I believe we are on the right track.

But there are challenges ahead in 2008 – and I will need your help. I need to build a constituency who cares about the challenges we face in the Sheriff’s Office. We need to continue to work together, in a partnership, to push for improvements. I would encourage you to contact your local legislators and elected officials, to show your support for these efforts.  Contact information is available at http://access.wa.gov/government/index.aspx.

Looking ahead, part of our focus this year will be on:

• Providing better alternatives for people with mental illness
• Improving safety on mass transit
• Reducing gang violence
• Implementing changes recommended by the Blue Ribbon Panel
• Working with the Charter Commission on critical structural improvements
• Addressing traffic issues
• Engaging the community to deliver the best customer service possible

While I won’t overwhelm you with information, news or surveys about what’s happening with your King County public safety, I will try to keep you informed about the actions and reactions that do have your well-being in mind.

My resolution this year is to make as many people as I can a part of the Sheriff’s Office – to build an aware citizenry who knows how they can make themselves – and all of King County -- safer, secure and happy in the knowledge we live in one of the best places on earth to raise a family.