In response to requests for clarification on government obligations locally and in our region, our communications/multimedia team created this helpful list that overviews roles and responsibilities of governments in our state, county and city, especially as it pertains to public safety.

Local Government:

• Police Department - Handles law enforcement within city limits, including crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and local investigations
• City Court - Handles low-level criminal cases, mostly misdemeanors.
• Auburn City Council - Responsible for making and enacting local laws (city ordinances) and regulations that impact public safety.
• City of Auburn Mayor and Police Chief - Responsible for enforcing local laws and regulations that impact public safety.

King County / County Government

• Sheriff's Office - Provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas and supports smaller city police departments.
• Jail Management - Operates county jails, managing detainees and coordinating with courts.
• County Courts - Handles criminal cases, including felonies such as assault and murder, and some misdemeanors.
• King County Council - Responsible for making and enacting laws within King County that impact public safety across cities in the county.

State Government

• State Patrol - Enforces traffic laws on state highways and provides support to local law enforcement.
• Department of Corrections - Manages state prisons, parole, and probation services.
• State Legislature - Responsible for making and enacting laws within the state that impact public safety in all counties and cities across the state.

As you can see, government is a shared responsibility amongst multiple agencies and jurisdictions – we all must work together toward a common goal. And for our residents, it’s important to understand where your vote counts and how it impacts our lives as a whole.