King County Sheriff, LEP Discrimination, Washington 2024
King County Sheriff's Office has agreed to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) after allegations of discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Justice Department announced today an agreement to resolve allegations that the King County, Washington, Sheriff’s Office discriminated against people who are limited English proficient, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Under the terms of the agreement, King County Sheriff's Office has agreed to take a number of steps to improve language access for individuals with LEP.
Title VI prohibits race, color and national origin discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of English proficiency) by entities that receive federal financial assistance.
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that our law enforcement agencies are able to protect and serve all people in their community, including crime victims, regardless of their ability to speak English fluently,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“This settlement agreement will enhance public safety, and improve delivery of language services for people with limited English proficiency in King County,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke added.
“Today’s agreement with the King County Sheriff’s Office helps build community trust,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington.
“I am pleased that as soon as the problem was presented to the Sheriff’s Office, the agency realized it had to improve policies around language access and immediately agreed to make changes,” U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman said.
Today’s agreement details a two-year plan to phase in a series of language access supports to improve communication between King County Sheriff’s Office deputies and individuals with LEP.
Under the agreement, King County Sheriff’s Office has agreed to hire a language access program manager; develop interim and final directives prohibiting the use of children, family, bystanders and other unqualified individuals for language assistance; engage in outreach with community members and stakeholders; develop a robust training program and ensure an accessible complaint process.
The Justice Department began engaging with King County Sheriff’s Office after a community-based organization raised concerns about an incident between a KCSO Deputy and a resident with LEP.
The agreement is part of the Justice Department’s Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative (LELAI), a nationwide effort to assist law enforcement agencies to overcome language barriers in their day-to-day work.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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