Sheriff Sue Rahr visits South King County a community dialogue about Public Safety

April 23, 2009

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Brian Wilson-Federal Way Police Chief, Sue Rahr-King County Sheriff, Pete von Reichbauer-King County Councilmember, Andy Hwang-Deputy Federal Police Chief, and Andrea Alexander King County Sargent.

King County Sheriff Sue Rahr was the guest speaker at a public safety town hall hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer on Wednesday evening at Todd Beamer.

“Safety is important to everyone,” said von Reichbauer, “From graffiti to car thefts and personal safety, the King County Sheriff’s office deals with these issues on a daily basis. Sheriff Rahr helped answer concerned citizens’ questions.”

Rahr spoke about the Sheriff Department’s successes and innovative programs. One of which was the implementation of an initiative that allows law enforcement to monitor criminal records from other jurisdictions. Because of this collaboration King County is now 35th in the nation in car thefts a vast improvement from 2006 when the county was ranked 6th.

The Sheriff’s office is also launching a gang intervention program that offers mentoring to individuals who are at high risk of joining a gang. Additionally, she talked about web mobilization, inspired by last year’s presidential campaign, by establishing a similar means of connectedness with the community and law enforcement it will allow for a mass dissemination of information.

“It is important that everyone has an opportunity for their voice to be heard,” said von Reichbauer. “People are busy and it is my priority to bridge the bureaucratic communication gap by bringing government to their neighborhood.”

The town hall is one in a series hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer throughout the year on issues affecting South King County.