During a recent King County Council meeting, officials from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) presented a comprehensive overview of the challenges and budgetary needs facing the office in light of significant increases in serious crime cases since the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Baker, the PAO's Director of Data and Analytics, highlighted the dramatic impact of the pandemic on the criminal justice system, noting a substantial reduction in case processing capabilities. The PAO has seen a staggering 90% increase in open homicide cases and firearm-related offenses compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, juvenile court referrals have doubled, with projections indicating further increases this year.

Baker emphasized the need for additional resources to manage the growing caseload, particularly in light of the more serious nature of crimes being referred to the office. He pointed out that the PAO has lost over half of its attorneys during the pandemic, complicating efforts to train new staff and maintain operational efficiency.

Jay Zhao, the PAO's Director of Budget and Finance, outlined specific budget proposals aimed at addressing these challenges. The office is seeking to hire five additional attorneys and two paralegals to help manage the increased workload, particularly in homicide and gun violence cases. Zhao also noted the necessity of resources to handle the influx of data from body-worn cameras, which have become a critical component of law enforcement investigations.

The PAO's budget priorities reflect a pressing need for support as they navigate the complexities of a changing legal landscape and an escalating crime rate in King County. The council members expressed appreciation for the detailed presentation and the ongoing efforts of the PAO to adapt to these challenges.