Brenda Bolanos-Ivory

Review of Snohomish county sheriff's off...

When a problem is handled well, there will always ...

When a problem is handled well, there will always be problems, that's how we'll fix the relationship between law enforcement and community.

That said, I had a problem. When I complained, I was told they'd take care of it, talk with the deputy, and they don't stand for bad behavior. I didn't have to file a complaint or wait months for an investigation.The deputy may have had a bad day, and just needed accountability. I was relieved that my problem received attention and action. That's all I wanted.

I'm told that Sheriff deputies are often nice to people when enforcing trespassing laws. Homeless people I work with say many Sheriff tell them about resources and homeless addicts are encouraged to get clean. They still must leave the property, that's the law. When people are arrested, they need to be safe, too. Sometimes an arrest is just what a person needs to change their life.

When people and officers are ALL safe, and respected, it builds trust.