OPEN LETTER: King County's "Selective Law Enforcement" Sets Dubious Precedent

"Who gave the KC Sheriff's Department the authority to overrule the Legislative Branch of government?" - S. Nuss

This letter from verified King County resident Steve Nuss is in response to the May 6, 2024 Burien meeting held by the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO).[NOTE FROM EDITOR: Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Burien-News or Daniel Media. If you wish to submit a story, photo, article or letter, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.]I would like to express my concern regarding the Sheriff's Department's decision to NOT enforce the City of Burien's no camping ordinance. My concern lies with the broader implications of selective law enforcement.As a contracted law enforcement agency, the Sheriff's Department has a duty to uphold the laws as they are written and passed by our elected legislative bodies. This is fundamental to the integrity of our legal system and to the principle of equal justice under the law.I understand the complexities when a law's constitutionality is in question. However, such matters are traditionally and appropriately resolved in the judicial system. If a law is indeed unconstitutional, it is the role of the courts to make that determination and to strike it down.The selective enforcement of laws based on a perceived potential unconstitutionality creates a concerning precedent. Will the Sheriff's department cease to enforce ANY law being challenged, or only those they decide not to? If the department begins to selectively enforce laws that are being legally challenged, yet not formally adjudicated, it creates a de facto police state where the enforcement of laws is arbitrary.The citizens of King County deserve a law enforcement agency that applies the laws consistently, equally and fairly, allowing for our courts to fulfill their role in our democratic republic.ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS for KCSO from Mr. Nuss:

Will the King Co. Sherriff's Department cease to enforce ALL laws being legally challenged as unconstitutional or become a political entity picking and choosing what laws to enforce?

What criteria does King County use to determine whether they will enforce a law and who determines these criteria?

Who gave the King County Sheriff's Department the authority to overrule the Legislative Branch of government?

Isn't it the job of the judicial branch of government to determine constitutionality of a law and not that of the Sheriff?

[NOTE FROM EDITOR: If you wish to submit a story, photo, article or letter, please contact us. Even if you wish to remain anonymous, please include your name and phone number so we may contact you privately. We look forward to hearing from you.]