Audit: King County Sheriff fails to investigate deputies use of force

A new audit criticizes shortcomings in the internal
investigations unit of the King County Sheriff’s office,
including failure to respond to complaints of excessive
force and other types of misconduct.

The audit and a consultant’s report found that the
sheriff’s office investigated just two use-of-force
complaints at a time when other police agencies had
dozens, even a hundred or more such investigations.

In what he calls a “major change,” Sheriff Steve Strachan
told a county council committee he’ll maintain a monthly
use of force board “in which command staff will be
responsible and accountable for reporting and reviewing
all uses of force, not just deadly force. This will
increase accountability and consistency.”

Susan Baugh, Senior Principal Management Auditor with King
County, concluded that the sheriff’s office suffers from
lack of oversight and supervision.

“The sheriff’s office has yet to establish a culture of
accountability to provide effective internal oversight
within the department,” Baugh told the county council’s
Government Accountability, Oversight and Financial
Performance Committee.

Councilmember Julia Patterson expressed frustration. “I am
greatly disappointed by the results of today’s audit
report, especially the finding that the Sheriff and the
department’s Internal Investigation Unit cannot initiate
an investigation without a formal complaint being filed by
a citizen or command,” Patterson said in a statement.

Strachan told the committee he embraces all 16
recommendations for change offered by the consultant.