In an unexpected move that has stirred controversy in King County, the Sheriff's Office has openly refused to enforce a newly amended public camping ordinance in Burien, leading to accusations of contract violation. The KCSO, which provides contracted law enforcement services to Burien, has been advised by its upper management to disregard the ordinance that aims to regulate where the unhoused may rest within city limits. This decision flouts an existing interlocal agreement between the county and the city.
The conflict arises over the responsibilities outlined in the contract that calls for negotiation, not unilateral actions, when there is a disagreement over a procedure or policy made by a contracting city. According to the city of Burien's official website, the Sheriff's refusal to follow the contract is a clear violation of the terms. Furthermore, it is not the role of King County to determine the constitutionality of the existing laws, but rather to engage in good faith negotiations or to raise concerns through the proper channels.
A sharp spotlight was cast on this matter as Burien officials pointed out that the manner of the KCSO's decision could potentially politicize what is essentially a public safety issue. When the Sheriff's office previously evaluated the ordinance on November 3, 2023, it found no inconsistency with the applicable law or court cases, as stated in Burien's announcement. Moreover, the most recent change to the ordinance involves only a reasonable limitation on where the unhoused can stay, provided there are no alternative shelters or beds available.
The city adopted its public camping ordinance back in 2023, and subsequently amended it this year on March 4, known as Ordinance 832. Burien insists that outreach and services are offered to the unhoused before any enforcement takes place, with the police encouraged to reach out to service providers in such circumstances. Yet, if an individual repeatedly refuses the offered assistance and does not vacate public property, they could find themselves facing misdemeanor charges.
In dealing with the fallout from the Sheriff's office's stance, Burien officials have declared they will seek recourse through the Oversight Committee to ensure that the terms of the contract are honored. The city is poised to use remedies available under the existing contract to address this standoff and ensure that its public camping ordinance is enforced as intended.
