Summary

In his proposed 2019-2020 budget, King County Executive Dow Constantine provides funding for a new gang detective and sergeant to help combat gang violence, educate families on gang recruitment, and work with other community partners on prevention.

Story

Working with King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht and her staff, Executive Dow Constantine proposed funding for two additional positions to be assigned to the newly formed Sheriff’s Office Youth & Family Investigative Unit. The $842,280 investment for a detective and sergeant is part of the $398 million proposed budget for the Sheriff’s Office.

Executive Constantine will transmit his 2019-2020 budget proposal to the King County Council on Monday. 

"My proposed budget makes significant investments in families and communities so that young people get a strong start in life. We must use every tool at our disposal to turn adolescents away from a life of violence, and ensure that our neighborhoods are safe," said Executive Constantine. "With these additional resources, the Sheriff’s Office will be better able to partner with other King County programs and community organizations to offer youth a better path, and a more secure future."

The positions will allow the Sheriff’s Office to take a leadership role in forming a Regional Gang Unit to address gang violence in our communities. "I am incredibly grateful for Executive Constantine’s vision and support as we work to combat gang violence and guide our youth toward better alternatives and brighter futures," said Sheriff Johanknecht.

The Sergeant and Detective will work in tandem with other members of the KCSO Youth and Family Investigative Unit to address trends in youth crime by educating families, school faculty, and affected communities on juvenile gangs and their recruitment efforts. The detective and sergeant will act as a liaison between families and juvenile justice intervention programs, and assist school resource officers in addressing gang activity on their campuses.

These positions align with the Equity and Social Justice Initiative by investing in both community relationships and child development, with the goal of diverting youth away from gang involvement by immunizing them against gang recruitment efforts.

The budget transmittal on Sept. 24 is the first step in a two-month public review process leading to final adoption by the King County Council in November.

Quotes

My proposed budget makes significant investments in families and communities so that young people get a strong start in life. We must use every tool at our disposal to turn adolescents away from a life of violence, and ensure that our neighborhoods are safe. With these additional resources, the Sheriff’s Office will be better able to partner with other King County programs and community organizations to offer youth a better path, and a more secure future.

I am incredibly grateful for Executive Constantine’s vision and support as we work to combat gang violence and guide our youth toward better alternatives and brighter futures.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966