Following the sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson to 16 years and 8 months in prison, members of the community have raised concerns about the culture of the Auburn Police Department. This was the first charge and conviction of a police officer after the passage of Initiative 940, and with that have come necessary reforms and policy changes in Washington law enforcement.
Much has been written — here in The Seattle Times opinion pages and online — about the stain this leaves on the department and the city of Auburn. Many have wondered what this trial and aftermath means for the brass and leadership — what can be done, realistically, to repair public trust and confidence following a tragic loss of life. And where do you start?
Let’s be clear: The death of Jesse Sarey was a tragedy, and we acknowledge the heartache and loss felt by his family and the broader Auburn community. Words cannot erase that pain and our thoughts remain with those who continue to grieve.
As an elected official voted in to lead an entire city, and as a police chief tasked with steering the ship of a police department with over 100 commissioned officers, we realize every decision has weight.
Since 2012, every use of deadly force in Auburn has been reviewed and investigated by the Valley Independent Investigation Team, well before the Legislature created the Office of Independent Investigation. And for good reason — because a responsibility as important as community policing requires ongoing independent review of incidents involving deadly force.
But as we reflect on this moment, it’s important to emphasize: The Auburn Police Department is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability and service to our residents.
We will not let the actions of one former officer define the entire department, nor can we ignore the opportunity this has created for meaningful growth and reflection. When an officer is sentenced following a jury’s conviction, we respect that decision. And yet, we still support the whole person — their friends and family, many of whom still work at the department — and sometimes that means being physically present for them in court.
We take the responsibility for policing seriously, and we recognize public trust is paramount. Since 2019, we’ve implemented new reforms, including enhanced use-of-force policies, expanded de-escalation training, and we’ve increased oversight of officer conduct, consistent with the Attorney General’s Model Policies. These measures are in place to help prevent the very type of force that led to Sarey’s death, while ensuring our officers have the tools necessary to effectively police the community.
A recent Seattle Times op-ed made a poignant argument about culture — and we agree. A culture defines an organization, and it tends to outweigh policy at just about every turn. Which is why we have continued to foster a culture where officers are held accountable for illegal actions, and where concerns can be addressed transparently.
And let’s talk about culture for a moment. In 2019, we formed the Police Advisory Committee, which helps guide policy, informs recruitment strategies and provides general advice. Each member represents an important and varied voice within our community.
For years, we have worked aggressively to hire a diverse police force that is more reflective of the community. Since 2019, we have welcomed 84 new officers of our current 110 from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. After their significant training on all upgraded standards through the Criminal Justice Training Center, they go through additional training in Auburn before they are on the streets serving the public.
In Auburn, we believe in justice, fairness and integrity, and in more than just words — in action and commitment. Our community expects and deserves nothing less.
We welcome continued dialogue with our residents, civic leaders, and fellow law enforcement professionals. We’ve been holding public safety meetings across the city for the past few months, where we’ve heard a lot and learned a lot.
In Auburn, we are looking forward — not by ignoring the past but using it as a foundation for something better.
