SEATTLE, Wash. — A new King County amendment approved election day requires inquests during investigations into police officer conduct when people die in custody.
Inquests are judicial inquiries conducted by a judge, jury or government official that determine the cause of a person’s death, not always requiring an autopsy.
Under the amendment, King County must also pay for attorneys of the families of those who died.
Two other charter amendments also passed will make the King County Sheriff an unelected position appointed by the King County Council, with new Council authority to reduce the Sheriff’s duties and power.