Summary

A new report released today shares findings from the Reimagining Public Safety Survey that launched last fall, including pilot program recommendations and future community engagement strategies.

Story

King County today is sharing the community-driven recommendations from a report on reimagining public safety in urban Unincorporated King County with the results of the Reimagining Public Safety Survey. The survey, which was conducted with the public last fall and winter, asked residents of the county’s urban unincorporated areas to share their ideas and feedback on how county government can think differently about public safety.

The Reimagining Public Safety initiative stems from King County’s 2020 declaration that racism is a public health crisis. Executive Constantine is committed to investing in community wellness to combat the impacts of racism that have long been experienced by BIPOC communities.

“Every person in King County has the right to feel safe, and rethinking the criminal legal system means questioning generations of assumptions, practices, and old ways of doing things. Only then can we deliver the public safety services expected and deserved by residents of King County," said Executive Constantine. "Co-creating a new approach with community, and listening to the voices of those most impacted, is the start of breaking harmful cycles and implementing new ideas. Our future investments will reflect this collaboration.”

Reimagining Public Safety Survey Key Findings
Of those surveyed across unincorporated King County, residents share similar perspectives about what is needed to improve public safety. Key findings include:

• Residents want a well-staffed King County Sheriff’s Office to address slow response times and increase the amount of police presence they see in their neighborhoods.
• When in an emergency or other unsafe situation that requires a professional response, residents want a specialized approach to finding a resolution; an alternative response needs to be an option.
• Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians are not best equipped to handle behavioral health issues. Innovation is needed to coordinate an optimal response with other departments and agencies.

“Throughout this process, King County’s goal has been to provide residents of the unincorporated areas with an opportunity for meaningful involvement in decisions that directly affect their lives and their communities,” said John Taylor, Director of Local Services. “It’s clear that the lived experiences of our residents, particularly for communities of color, are essential to understanding how we should prioritize and strengthen investments to make our communities stronger. It is about trust. It is about having a seat at the table. It is about making sure our communities’ voices are heard.”

The pilot program recommendations contained in the report will be shared with community members in urban Unincorporated King County, who will ultimately inform which strategy or strategies move forward for implementation. Community members can expect to hear more and be able to provide feedback on the recommendations in the coming month.

Relevant links

• Reimagining Public Safety in urban Unincorporated King County
• Reimagining Public Safety Report | April 2022
• Reimagining Public Safety Survey Launch | November 2021

Quotes

Every person in King County has the right to feel safe, and rethinking the criminal legal system means questioning generations of assumptions, practices, and old ways of doing things. Only then can we deliver the public safety services expected and deserved by residents of King County. Co-creating a new approach with community, and listening to the voices of those most impacted, is the start of breaking harmful cycles and implementing new ideas. Our future investments will reflect this collaboration.

Throughout this process, King County’s goal has been to provide residents of the unincorporated areas with an opportunity for meaningful involvement in decisions that directly affect their lives and their communities. It’s clear that the lived experiences of our residents, particularly for communities of color, are essential to understanding how we should prioritize and strengthen investments to make our communities stronger. It is about trust. It is about having a seat at the table. It is about making sure our communities’ voices are heard.

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537