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Ballot question

Pierce County Charter Amendment 54: Public Safety Ombuds

On the ballot in
Pierce County
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

The Pierce County Charter Review Commission proposed an amendment to Section 3.75 of the Pierce County Charter creating a Public Safety Ombuds. If approved, this amendment will create a new executive department of Public Safety Ombuds to provide independent oversight of the Sheriff and Sheriff's Office employees. Subject to limitations imposed by law, the Ombuds shall have authority and resources to monitor all matters involving the Sheriff's Office. Should this proposed Charter amendment be:

A “Yes” vote means

The Charter creates a Public Safety Ombuds department, appointed by the Council, to provide independent oversight of the Sheriff's Office, plus a Community Advisory Committee.

A “No” vote means

No Public Safety Ombuds department is created in the Charter; oversight of the Sheriff's Office stays as it is now.

Official plain English statement

Charter Amendment No. 54 establishes a new section in the Pierce County Charter that creates an executive department of Public Safety Ombuds to provide independent oversight of the Sheriff and Sheriff's Office employees. Subject to limitations imposed by law, the Ombuds shall have authority, funding, staffing, and resources to monitor all matters involving the Sheriff's Office. The Ombuds shall publish findings of fact and recommendations upon completion of investigations and shall refer complaints to appropriate legal and investigatory authorities, as needed. The Ombuds will be appointed by a majority of the Council from a list submitted by a panel. The Charter amendment also requires that a Community Advisory Committee be established, to advise the Ombuds on matters related to law enforcement and corrections.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.