Burien cops considering leaving department if police chief is forced out by city

Dozens of Burien police officers have threatened to leave if the city decides to remove Chief Ted Boe from his post.

In a letter provided to city leadership, the officers write in support of Boe and say they are disappointed the city is requesting to remove him.

The letter was originally posted on the B-Town Blog. The letter also expresses a vote of no confidence in City Manager Adolfo Bailon and Mayor Kevin Schilling.

“You don’t see our police force get involved in politics much,” Cydney Moore, a former city council member, said.

This all comes as the city of Burien and the county are entangled in a legal battle over the city’s camping ban.

In March, a new ordinance was passed that prohibits camping in certain protected and designated zones around the city.

Since its passage, the King County Sheriff said they would not enforce it and since the sheriff’s office overseas BPD through the interlocal agreement, Boe has not been enforcing it.

KIRO 7 reached out to Chief Boe for an interview and although he declined to go on camera, he said in a statement, “I am focusing on serving the residents of Burien while this gets resolved.”

KIRO 7 also reached out to Mayor Schilling who said: “The City of Burien is focused on getting folks off the street and into shelter and services. The City Council prioritizes treatment over tents, and public safety over politics. The Burien City Council appreciates the work of the deputies and officers in protecting Burien. We understand they are in a difficult position while this political issue plays out. Burien Police Officers are employed by the County Sheriff’s Office and are Sheriff’s Deputies. They are here to protect and serve our community every day. For years we’ve heard from the police about the short comings of county service providers and the need to get drugs and public camping under control. Then, with a council that wants to do that in place, we’re now in this scenario where the Sheriff is not enforcing those laws. A judge has not ruled that this law is unconstitutional, but instead, it falls squarely in line with federal requirements as well as in line with the argument of the administration of President Joseph Biden: that these laws are common sense and practical, and cities have the authority to put time, place, and manner restrictions on public camping. We hope we can come together and find common ground and get a path toward enforcement of our public camping ordinance and drug use laws. We are disappointed the Sheriff has unilaterally decided not to enforce a law passed by the democratically elected city council. And we look forward to the decisions of the courts.”

The city of Burien provided this statement to KIRO 7, saying: “Burien is very disappointed and concerned by the letter offered by King County police officers in support of Chief Boe. Burien’s concerns with Chief Boe have existed for a while but are not personal. Regarding two significant problems in Burien, homelessness and how criminal conduct is addressed in Burien, Burien wants a new or fresh approach to creating a safe and inviting community for residents, businesses, and guests to enjoy. The City of Burien requests that the King County police officers, who do good work despite being understaffed, continue their duties. Burien also asks that they allow the court process to address the constitutionality of Burien’s ordinance and, if necessary, the Oversight Committee to address the appropriateness of Burien’s request to have a new person assigned as Burien’s police chief. Under the agreement between King County and Burien (and all contract cities), the city chooses the police chief, and Burien should be allowed to exercise the rights granted under the parties’ agreement. Finally, to clarify for those who do not know, the City of Burien does not have a police force. The “Burien Police Department” exists only through a clause in the City of Burien and King County agreement. All personnel performing work under the name and logo “Burien Police Department” are employees of King County Sheriff’s Office only, not the City of Burien. It should be further noted, that the City of Burien has not received a copy of the letter of “no confidence”.”