Burien Police Chief Ted Boe announces resignation

BURIEN, Washington – Burien’s police chief announced his resignation Tuesday.

This comes after months of friction between the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Burien City Council. The police chief, Ted Boe, is an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, as Burien does not have its own police force.

Instead, it contracts out services to the district.

Back in April, Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon sent a letter to Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall urging him to replace Boe as police chief. The request came after the sheriff filed a complaint in U.S. District Court over the constitutionality of the city’s camping ban, which the police chief failed to enforce at the sheriff’s direction.

Bailon said in April that he could “no longer say that I trust Boe to meet the requirements outlined in the Interlocal Agreement.” The Interlocal Agreement provides police services to the City of Burien through the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). KCSO officers wear Burien Police Department logos and uniforms while on the job.

Burien sued the sheriff’s office for failing to enforce the ban.

Boe released a short letter saying, “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position with the King County Sheriff’s Office and accept outside employment.”

Boe’s last day as boss is August 15th.

Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling confirmed the resignation and added, “I wish him the best.”

According to KCSO, Boe served as Burien police chief for six years and worked for the sheriff’s office for 27 years.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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