PORT TOWNSEND — An independent citizens oversight committee to investigate complaints against law enforcement officials was proposed Monday by the challenger in the fall race for Jefferson County sheriff.
Richard Brees, the Republican candidate running against Democratic incumbent Mike Brasfield in the election ending Nov. 7, appeared with Brasfield at a Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Fort Worden State Park Commons.
“The community needs a place to go when they feel their rights are violated,” Brees, 56, told the audience of about 50.
“This will bring accountability to the Sheriff’s Office. Accountability is the cornerstone of what my candidacy is about.”
Brasfield, 62, of Port Ludlow said there are certain issues entwined in creating a citizens oversight committee.
He said with a governmental entity such as the Sheriff’s Office, which is run by an elected official, there are difficulties in giving authority to an independent committee.
Independent offices
He said the Sheriff’s Office, like all other county offices, such as those of the auditor and assessor, exist independently and their policies are not controlled by any of the others.
“The control of the Sheriff’s Office is in the budgetary process,” Brasfield said of how the county commissioners can have a hand in the operations of the agency.
He said in cases where civilian committees do exist, they have been largely ineffective.
“The historical result of civilian oversight committees is they tend to be more lenient,” Brasfield said, adding that committee members tend to trust law enforcement officials over citizens who file a complaint.
During the meeting, Brasfield pointed to his 38 years of experience in law enforcement that he saw as reason for re-election to a second term.
He said when he became sheriff 3½ years ago, the budget for training deputies was $10,000 a year.
“I have upped that to $30,000 a year,” Brasfield said.