Justice Equity and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office

Every decision this office makes, from charging to sentencing, comes from an understanding of historical and systemic oppression, especially for communities of color. This means acknowledging the ways in which communities of color have been disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system and working to address those disparities. It also means actively seeking out ways to promote equity and justice, both by engaging with affected communities and by creating policies and practices that focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability. Ultimately, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office seeks to be a leader in the ongoing movement for racial justice and equity, working to create a criminal justice system that is indeed just for all.

Our Justice Equity Vision Statement

At the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, our vision is to create a future rooted in equity and fairness. We strive to build a criminal justice system that recognizes and rectifies the historical and systemic inequities faced by marginalized communities, ensuring equity and social justice for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or any other defining characteristic.

We envision a justice system that actively addresses the disproportionate impact of criminalization on communities of color. We understand that systemic racism and biases have perpetuated injustices, resulting in disparities at every stage of the criminal justice process. Our vision is to dismantle these barriers and foster an environment where justice is truly fair. We believe that justice and safety are not mutually exclusive.

In pursuit of justice equity, we are committed to the following principles:

Eliminating disparities

We will work tirelessly to end racial and socioeconomic disparities within the criminal justice system. We recognize that communities of color have been disproportionately affected by systemic oppression, and we aim to address these disparities through deliberate actions and inclusive policies.

Restorative justice

We believe in the transformative power of restorative justice approaches. Instead of solely focusing on punishment, we seek to repair harm, promote healing, and restore relationships between victims, offenders, and the community. Through restorative practices, we aim to address the root causes of crime while prioritizing the well-being and rehabilitation of all involved.

Collaborative partnerships

We understand that achieving justice equity requires collaboration and partnership with affected communities, community organizations, and advocacy groups. We will actively engage in meaningful dialogues, listen to diverse perspectives, and co-create solutions that respond to the unique needs and experiences of those affected by the criminal justice system.

Proactive Reforms

We are dedicated to advocating for and implementing proactive reforms that challenge oppressive systems and promote equity. This includes supporting legislative changes, policy reforms, and initiatives that address systemic biases, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and promote alternatives to punitive measures.

Transparency and accountability

We believe in transparency and accountability as essential components of justice equity. We will regularly check and report on our progress in addressing disparities, collecting and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement, and taking corrective measures where necessary. We are committed to fostering a culture of accountability within our office and holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

By working towards our Justice Equity Vision, we strive to build a future where the color of one's skin, socioeconomic background, or any other factor does not determine the outcome of their interaction with the criminal justice system. We aim to create a system that values the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, where justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Together, with the communities we serve, we can achieve justice equity and build a more just and inclusive society for all.