By Aaron Allen
The Seattle Medium
On Tues., The King County Council voted unanimously to confirm Patti Cole-Tindall as the new King County Sheriff. With the confirmation by the Council, Cole-Tindall becomes the first African American to hold the position.
Cole-Tindall also becomes the first appointed sheriff since voters approved a change to the King County Charter in 2020 to change the position from an elected position to an appointed position.
Cole-Tindall was selected as Interim Sheriff in the beginning of 2022 and Executive Dow Constantine announced her as his choice for Sheriff on May 3. Councilmember Rod Dembowski believes Cole-Tindall can lead the office into the future and looks forward to working with her during these trying times.
“I look forward to working with Sheriff Cole-Tindal,” says Dembowski. “As she takes on this critical job at this critical time.”
Both Councilmembers Pete von Reichbauer and Jeanne Kohl-Welles say that they were impressed with the leadership Cole-Tindall displayed during her tenure as interim Sheriff.
“During her time serving as Undersheriff and then Interim Sheriff, I have been impressed with her leadership and management skills,” says Kohl-Welles. “Including how she leads with humility, collaboration, and thoughtfulness. I know that her unique professional experience and the trust she’s built with deputies will serve her well as she goes forward as our new Sheriff. Congratulations, Sheriff Cole-Tindall!”
“I am pleased to have supported the confirmation of Patti Cole-Tindall as King County Sheriff,” says von Reichbauer. “Sheriff Cole-Tindall brings a non-traditional background to this position, and during this period of increasing concern with lawlessness, I am committed to working with her as well as the rank-and-file uniformed officers of King County.”
Prior to the interim appointment, Cole-Tindall has served as Undersheriff as well as the Chief of the Technical Services Division. Before she joined the King County Sheriff’s Office, she was the director of the King County Office of Labor Relations. She has also served in roles with the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, the county’s Community Corrections Division, and as interim director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.
“I applaud the appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall. It is a hopeful sign when African American women are recognized for their abilities and experience. Ms. Cole-Tindall is fully capable of leading the King County Sheriff’s Department, and I am confident she will do so in a fair, professional, and progressive manner,” said Carolyn Riley-Payne, President of the Seattle/King County NAACP. “Her skills speak for themselves, and this appointment speaks volumes about Executive Constantine’s concern for people of color, and for all the citizens of King County. I look forward to working with her.”
Councilmember Sarah Perry, who began her term in 2022, expressed how dedicated and committed Cole-Tindall is to the overall safety of our communities.
“Since beginning my term on King County Council this year, I have found working with Interim Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall to be a great experience,” saysPerry. “Her dedicated service and commitment to public safety and behavioral health for all of our King County residents is clear. In addition, her willingness to show not only strong leadership, but strong community collaboration on critical issues has moved the Sheriff’s office forward on issues of equity and social determinants of health. I couldn’t be happier with her appointment and I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership with Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall to ensure that we are focusing on the health, safety, and well-being of all of our King County residents.”
