NCJ Number
110542
Date Published
1988
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This report describes the nature of the 3,625 citizen contacts with the Ombudsman in King County (Wash.) from September through December 1987.
Abstract
Problems ranged from complicated land use to drainage issues requiring weeks to resolve to relatively simple problems that were handled with information and referral assistance. Only 835 of the 11,000 contacts received during 1987 were processed as complaints. The problems caused by overcrowding in the jail, zoning violations, development restrictions or lack of restrictions, failure to enforce requirements, and grading were some of the issues requiring complaint investigation. The jail overcrowding and the resulting problems are already receiving attention from policymakers and is causing stress for both civilian and corrections officers. The main land use issues that deserve review at the policymaking level include drainage and erosion problems caused by single-lot development, road construction bonds, and public use of privately maintained roads. Details regarding individual complaints.