BURIEN, Wash. — Editor's note: The above video originally aired March 28, 2024
The Burien city manager on Wednesday sent a letter to King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall asking for the replacement of Burien Police Chief Ted Boe amid a legal fight over the constitutionality of a new ordinance.
In the letter, City Manager Adolfo Bailon said he can "no longer state that I trust Boe to fulfill the requirements listed within the Interlocal Agreement."
The Interlocal Agreement offers police services to the city of Burien through the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO). Burien police logos and uniforms are donned by KCSO deputies while on the job.
In a statement Thursday, Cole-Tindall called Bailon's request "surprising" and responded by asking for "any factual incidents that might support" his request of removal.
KCSO also shared crime stats in Burien so far for 2024 in the statement. According to KCSO, Burien police have made 439 arrests this year, consistent with preliminary 2023 stats, which they said showed a 7% decrease in both crimes against persons and property.
"These results demonstrate excellent policing and do not show that there is a failure of leadership in the Burien Police Department," Cole-Tindall said.
The letter comes weeks after the City of Burien sued KCSO over its refusal to enforce an ordinance banning camping in certain public areas.
Cole-Tindall called into question the timing of Bailon's letter and said the county can't "be party to retaliatory action against the chief."
The City of Burien told KING 5 News it had no comment on the matter and that the mayor and council were notified of the "operation decision" by Bailon on Wednesday.
In early March, the Burien City Council approved an amendment to its existing ordinance that would create more limitations for people experiencing homelessness in the city. The amendment, approved by a 5-2 vote, creates a 500-foot buffer zone around parks, libraries, schools, daycares, and senior centers and makes it illegal for the unhoused to sleep overnight in those areas.
Last month, Cole-Tindall filed a legal complaint arguing that Burien's recent amendment criminalized homelessness and, therefore, was unconstitutional. In addition to determining the constitutionality of the amendment itself, Cole-Tindall asked the court if the KCSO is required to enforce the law if deemed unconstitutional.
On March 28, the KCSO said the constitutionality of Burien’s anti-camping ordinance is in the hands of the federal court.