PIERE COUNTY — At its Monday Study Session, the Pierce County Council met with legal representation from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to learn what options are available to the Council as it relates to the Jan. 27 incident involving Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer.

Members asked preliminary questions to learn what options are available to Council as a potential response before recessing into executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss matters that could involve potential litigation.

Following executive session, Council Chair Derek Young said more information is needed before Council decides the appropriate next steps.

“After speaking with legal counsel, the Council had more questions that need to be answered,” Young said. “Once we know more, we will have a better understanding of how best to proceed based on what is allowed under the Pierce County Charter.”

The county charter dictates Pierce County operations, notably that the County Council does not have oversight over the elected office of Pierce County Sheriff.

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Pierce County Council statement on Sheriff Ed Troyer

Statement from Pierce County Council Chair Derek Young:

Council learned this morning about the event on Jan. 27 in Tacoma involving Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer. Based on the information reported, Council is concerned about what occurred and is eager to learn more about the circumstances of that night.

Pierce County’s sheriff position is a separately elected office and is not under the administrative control of Council or the Executive.

The values of the Pierce County Council promote civility, equity, and acceptance. We take this situation seriously and know that public trust in law enforcement is paramount.

As we have more information, we will have a better sense of appropriate next steps available to us. We remain committed to working toward making our county a place where every resident feels safe.

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County Charter

Section 2.25 — Council Subpoena Powers
The Council may, in connection with the legislative process, make investigations into the affairs of the County and conduct of any County department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence, and may invoke the aid of any court of competent jurisdiction to carry out such powers, provided that any witness shall have the right to be represented by counsel. The Council, as a whole, or by committee, may conduct public hearings on matters of public concern.