Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon has taken steps to potentially replace Police Chief Ted Boe amid escalating tensions between city officials and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) regarding a contentious camping ban.
In a letter addressed to King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Bailon expressed his intention to seek a new police chief, citing a loss of trust in Chief Boe’s ability to uphold the terms of the interlocal agreement (ILA) governing police services in Burien. Bailon asserted that Chief Boe’s actions no longer aligned with the best interests, vision, and goals of the City of Burien. While the letter did not explicitly cite Burien’s recently amended camping ordinance as a reason for the proposed replacement, Sheriff Cole-Tindall suggested a connection in her response, pressing for clarification on the city manager’s decision-making process.
Chief Boe, who has served as head of the Burien Police Department for six years, finds himself entangled in the midst of a contentious dispute between Burien officials and the KCSO. This rift has culminated in legal action, with Burien filing a lawsuit alleging breach of the ILA by the county for its refusal to enforce the camping ban enacted by the city council. Simultaneously, King County and KCSO have filed a complaint seeking judicial review of the ban’s constitutionality.
Sheriff Cole-Tindall has instructed deputies serving Burien to refrain from enforcing the section of the camping ban related to public camping until a judicial ruling is reached, while emphasizing that all other criminal code violations continue to be enforced.
Burien’s camping ordinance has undergone multiple revisions since its initial passage, with subsequent updates expanding prohibited hours and zones for public camping, drawing criticism for its vague definition of shelter and alleged exclusionary impact on unhoused individuals. Despite initial provisions granting the city manager authority to designate overnight camping areas, this language was later removed, empowering the city manager to address tents and unhoused individuals in non-residential areas.
Over the past months, King County deputies have been tasked with enforcing Burien’s evolving ordinances, leading to tensions culminating in Sheriff Cole-Tindall’s directive to cease enforcement and ensuing legal battles.
In response to Bailon’s call for Chief Boe’s replacement, Sheriff Cole-Tindall defended Boe’s leadership, citing crime prevention and arrest statistics showing improvements under his tenure. She questioned Bailon’s motives, referencing Chief Boe’s testimony regarding their strained relationship and cautioning against retaliation for raising constitutional concerns.
The dispute underscores broader tensions between Burien officials and the KCSO, with implications for law enforcement and governance in the region.