King County sheriff's office Washington State Career info by Robert Bowersock

ENTRY-LEVEL:

For entry-level candidates, the testing process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months (quicker for lateral-entry applicants) depending on several factors (e.g., applicant availability, testing and interview schedules, and available vacancies). We are currently hiring as vacancies occur. We suggest you apply now via Public Safety Testing (PST). Please note that PST scores are valid for 1 year.

NEW HIRING INCENTIVE PAY

$7,500 for entries; receive $2,500 when you pass the academy and $5,000 when you pass probation, with a three year commitment. Any questions please reach out to our recruiter at: KCSO.Recruiter@KingCounty.gov

LATERAL-ENTRY:

Lateral-entry candidates can expect the testing and background process to take anywhere from 2 to 4 months on average. Apply directly through King County Civil Service at www.KingCounty.gov/jobs. The King County Sheriff’s Office does not require lateral-entry candidates to apply or test through Public Safety Testing.

If you have not heard from King County Civil Service within 7-10 business days of testing with PST (entry-level) or submitting your application (lateral-entry) please reach out to King County Civil Service directly at 206-263-1885 or the King County Sheriff’s Office Recruiter at (206) 263-3155.

NEW LATERAL HIRING INCENTIVE PAY

$15,000 for lateral candidates; receive $5,000 on your first paycheck and $10,000 when you pass probation, with a three year commitment. Any questions please reach out to our recruiter at: KCSO.Recruiter@KingCounty.gov

In addition to the information here, our lateral packet provides additional information about the Sheriff’s Office, the County and the region. Please find that packet here.

Candidate Engagement Session (once a month)

The Sheriff’s Office holds a monthly Candidate Engagement Session-(CES) with the KCSO Basic Training Unit about the hiring process and deputy positions. These session are only for applicants that have sent there PST score to King County Sheriff’s Office and submitted an application.

If you would like to attend one of these sessions please email us at KCSO_BTU@KingCounty.gov to sign up. There is limited seating, so reserve your seat as soon as possible.

In conjunction with the in person CES sessions, you are welcomed to check out the following video links:

VIDEOS:

Overview

Oral Boards

Application Process

Backgrounds

Benefits

PST Testing

https://youtu.be/oFVJf6yHG3s

We have a commissioned staff of more than 740 and are among the largest sheriff’s departments in the country. Our deputies have opportunities to serve in many different communities, including unincorporated King County, numerous city police departments, and two transit police agencies, among others.

We offer countless unique assignments that range from school or community-based positions to drug enforcement and bomb disposal. Some deputies stay in a specialized career assignment, while others move between assignment types as they advance or expand their expertise. Regardless of your assignment, you’ll serve the citizens of local communities and work with them and your peers to solve crime problems. Applying to become a KCSO deputy sheriff is your first step towards an exciting and rewarding law enforcement career serving your community.

The King County Sheriff's Office actively recruits qualified entry-level and lateral-entry (previous experience) applicants throughout the year. We are hiring as vacancies occur. Applying and testing now is encouraged in order to be eligible for an oral board interview.

We strive to recruit candidates who represent the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome men and women of every culture and ethnic background, and believe that the internal environment of the KCSO supports and respects the differences that exist between us. If you can embrace our mission, vision, goals and core values, then we are interested in you.

If you don't have experience as a commissioned officer, you should apply as an entry-level deputy. Lateral-entry deputies must have one or more years of experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer post-probation. Our wage package allows for advanced step wage placement, using a sliding scale based on your experience, training and education.

self-screening tool

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you meet the basics, you're off to a good start. Your answers to the following questions aren't part of the application process, but can help you decide if a law enforcement career with the KCSO could be right for you.

Do I tend to size up situations pretty quickly and prioritize what to do next, even in rapidly changing situations with several different things going on at once?
Am I pretty good at staying calm during emergency situations and making good decisions without having to have every last detail answered for me first?
Do I enjoy identifying problems and digging into possible causes and solutions? Am I resourceful?
Am I willing to work in dangerous situations and use physical force to overcome resistance if necessary, up to and including use of deadly force?
Am I consistently a dependable and honest person, able to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct?
Am I self-disciplined in my emotions, avoiding saying and doing things that are inappropriate or disrespectful to others, even under stress?
Am I diplomatic, tactful and respectful of others, and prone to conveying empathy and understanding when I am dealing with others?
Do I work well as a part of a team?
Can I be both or either authoritative and/or empathetic based on the situation?
Do any of the disqualifiers apply to me?

Questions? Let us help.

Email: kcso.recruiter@kingcounty.gov
Phone: (206) 263-2664

We serve unincorporated King County and operate numerous city police departments plus transit police units. (You can check out our partner police agencies here.)

We offer dozens of unique assignments that range from school or community-based positions to drug enforcement and bomb disposal. The King County Sheriff’s Office has opportunities that meet just about any deputy’s goals.

All deputies begin their career on patrol (we have no jail service requirement), providing service to the people of a particular district. Deputies are assigned to single-person patrol cars, and gain a strong sense of ownership in their communities by interacting with the residents, business owners, and visitors to the area. Often, their work requires working together with these people or supporting fellow deputies in adjoining districts.

Within the rank of deputy sheriff, there are many types of service and leadership opportunities:

Patrol Deputy
City Police Officer
Metro Transit Police
Sound Transit Police
Community Storefront Officer
School Resource Officer
Detective
Master Police Officer
Field Training Officer
Other specialized units

Advancement To Supervisory And Management Positions

With experience comes the opportunity and challenge of leadership in supervisory and management roles. Deputies can take the sergeants promotional exam after 5 years experience with the King County Sheriff's Office. We hope that many of our deputies will want to support our agency mission and goals by advancing to the leadership ranks of sergeant, captain, major, and chief. You may also be able to achieve a position as a city police chief -- while maintaining your Sheriff's Office rank.

Email our recruiter at: KCSO.Recruiter@KingCounty.gov for more information.

The King County Sheriff's Office is a great place to work, and offers deputies a generous compensation package.

Salary

The 2023 salary range for deputies is $85,248.59 - $119,372.24 annually based on a six-step system (initial hire rate + five increases based on hire date). These are the base rates for which premiums for education, longevity, and specialty assignments are awarded. Cost of living increases are made annually.

Competitive wages, including special and duty pays
Paid academy training
Patrol premium
Educational incentives for degrees held
Longevity premiums for years of service
Paid holidays
Vacation days
Sick leave
Take-home car assigned immediately (laterals); upon completion of training (entry-level)
Self-paced training program
Years of law enforcement experience count toward eligibility for most specialty units for lateral hires
ENTRY DEPUTY HIRING INCENTIVE PAY: $7,500 for entries; receive $2,500 when you pass the academy and $5,000 when you pass probation, with a three year commitment
LATERAL DEPUTY HIRING INCENTIVE PAY: $15,000 for lateral candidates; receive $5,000 on your first paycheck and $10,000 when you pass probation, with a three year commitment

Benefits

100% employer paid premiums for medical, dental and vision for you and your dependents.
Annual vacation: 0-5 years = 12 paid days; 6-8 years = 15 days; 9-10 = 16 days; 11-16 years = 20 days; 20- 25 years = an additional day per year; 26 years = 30 days
12 paid holidays
12 paid days of sick leave annually
Liberal accrual of compensation time
Patrol Longevity Pay: An additional 2% of base rate starting after 5 years, up to 16% of base rate after 25 years.
Take-home car:
- Lateral hires receive a take-home car immediately; Entry-level, upon completion of training
- Potential annual savings in time, gas, insurance, maintenance, convenience, etc. of between $3000-$5000
Education Incentive up to an additional 6% of base rate
Deputies assigned to traffic, reactive and proactive patrol for at least one full month receive an additional 1% of base rate
Numerous other premium pays for specialty units (e.g. Detective, K-9, TAC-30, Skin Diver, etc.) Years of law enforcement experience count toward eligibility for most specialty units for lateral hires
Paid academy training
Self-paced training program
Basic life insurance for you and the eligible family members you enroll
Basic accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for you
King County provides all uniforms and most equipment, as well as a car per officer program

You may purchase additional/enhanced life insurance for yourself. Employees also can participate in flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses. Other King County employee benefits include the home ownership, Making Life Easier, and mildly ill child care programs.

Uniform and Equipment

King County provides all uniforms and most equipment, as well as a car per officer program.

Retirement

As a King County Deputy, you become part of the Washington State Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters (LEOFF) Retirement System. You will be part of the group known as LEOFF 2.

As a county employee, you also have the option to participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, which is a voluntary retirement savings plan.

Basic Qualifications for All Applicants

You need to be a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United States at the time of application;
You must have the ability to read, speak, and write the English language fluently;
You must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application; age 21 on the date of hire;
You must have a Washington State driver's license, or be able to obtain one by the date of hire;
You must have a high school degree or GED;
You must meet KCSO medical standards, as determined by a medical exam following an offer of employment; and
You must be able to pass the background investigation. (We have provided a short self-screening background questionnaire that will help us determine whether you meet some basic background qualifications. This is attached to Deputy Sheriff Job Application and must be filled out as a part of the application package.)
See list of disqualifying behaviors at left, click 'disqualifiers'

Additional Qualifications for Lateral Entry Applicants with Previous Experience

Experience as a full time commissioned police officer with at least 12 months of active patrol;
Successful completion of probation as a commissioned officer with a city, county or state police or sheriff's department;
Less than a two-year break in service from a former police officer position; and
Academy training that meets or exceeds the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center's standards.

Basic Skills You'll Need To Be a Law Enforcement Officer

Am I able to speak clearly and listen to others well? Can I write a report with grammatically correct English?
Do I read and comprehend well to learn the laws and procedures of law enforcement in the academy?
Do I have a good memory to recall what I've learned and what I've witnessed in incidents?
Am I able to follow maps and find my way around?
Do I have excellent physical fitness?
Do I have basic computer skills?

Questions? Let us help.

Email: KCSO.Recruiter@KingCounty.gov

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFING
BEHAVIORS
Effective April 15, 2022

Please review the following automatic disqualifiers. If you fall under one of these categories or believe you could, please call us at 206-263-6896 before submitting our application.

The King County Sheriff's Office may disqualify any candidate whose background includes the following:

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

DRUGS

As an adult, convicted of any felony drug crime
Any use of heroin or methamphetamines
Any possession or use of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) or any other “date rape” drug (includes, but not limited to; Ketamine or Rohypnol), including giving it to others
Any use of illegal drugs within three (3) years of application (other than juvenile or one-time experimentation). Illegal drugs include but are not limited to; cocaine, ecstasy, molly, MDMA (club drugs), spice, mushrooms, or Khat, or illegal use of prescription drugs (including steroids).
Illegal use of four (4) or more different controlled substances as an adult within the past ten (10) years
Any instance of manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs for the purpose of sale or distribution

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Any adult felony convictions
Any adult misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving theft, violence, or crimes of dishonesty (including, but not limited to, perjury, forgery, impersonation, bribery, witness intimidation/tampering, or tampering with evidence)
All other misdemeanor convictions as an adult within the last three (3) years
Any conviction for a sex-related crime, including crimes involving a minor or individual with a disability, including pornography
Any instance of required registration as a sex offender, regardless of conviction status
Any other crime conviction of which disqualifies the candidate from the legal right to possess a firearm under state or federal law
Any conviction for animal cruelty as defined by RCW 16.52.205
Any conviction for a violation of a court No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment Order
Any candidate currently named as a Respondent in any No-Contact, Protection, or Harassment DV Order

DRIVING

Conviction of Driving/Physical Control Under the Influence within the last three (3) years
Conviction of Driving/Physical Control Under the Influence more than once will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
As an adult, conviction of Attempting to Elude, or Hit and Run
As an adult, conviction of Reckless or Negligent Driving 1st degree in the last three (3) years
Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Any conviction for any crime classified as a Domestic Violence offense

MILITARY

A dishonorable discharge

Application and Testing

ENTRY-LEVEL:

First, complete your application at Public Safety Testing (PST) https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/calendar and schedule a date to take the written exam. Tests are reported to and validated by Civil Service weekly.

The CJTC has published a good video regarding Physical Agility Test Requirements. You can view it here: https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/information-center/test-requirements-law-enforcement-officer-physical-wa

You must pass all portions of the testing (Written and PAT) , Oral Boards are currently only being offered to those who pass all portions. (This minimum score is subject to change). 70% is a passing score although may not be competitive enough to move further in the hiring process.

LATERAL-ENTRY:

Lateral-entry applicants apply directly through King County Civil Service at www.KingCounty.gov/jobs .

Veterans' preference points are not factored in until you pass the oral board phase. You claim these points when you initially sign-up for the PST tests (entry-level) or during your application process (lateral-entry). You should bring your DD214 to the Oral Board.

Oral Board

When we receive your test results from PST (entry-level) or application (lateral-entry), you will be contacted by the King County Civil Service to be scheduled for an oral board interview. The oral board interview is part of the Civil Service testing process and is conducted by a three-person panel consisting of King County Sheriff’s Office deputies, detectives, and/or sergeants. A member of King County Civil Service is present in the interview as a proctor. The panel will evaluate you on the following criteria: communication skills, background, community involvement, experience, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and problem solving.

Civil Service Eligibility List

ENTRY-LEVEL:

Rank is based the written test, plus 80% Oral Board scores. Only then are veterans preference, second language fluency or Peace Corps service points applied. Qualified candidates will be merged onto the existing entry-level eligibility list.

LATERAL-ENTRY:

Rank is based solely on your Oral Board scores. Lastly, veterans preference, second language fluency or Peace Corps service points are applied to determine your final rank. Qualified candidates are merged into the existing lateral-entry eligibility list.

Both these lists determine the order in which background investigations are conducted. Separate lists are maintained for entry-level and lateral-entry candidates.

Mentoring Program

After completing the background packet sent to you through eSoph and a preliminary Detective review of that information, you will have the option to participate in the Mentoring Program. This is completely voluntary on your part. Mentors are experienced deputies, detectives, or sergeants who also have volunteered to be your contact person within the department. They can provide assistance, guidance, and perspective during the hiring, academy, and training processes. Your mentor is paired with you and remains your mentor until you complete the field training (PTO) phase. Your mentor also will take you on a ride-along anywhere in the county. It is an invaluable asset to receive advice, information, and encouragement from an objective department member who wants to see you succeed. Your mentor is not an evaluator.

Background Investigation

Our thorough background investigation includes a look at your criminal history record, employment history, personal references, driving history, credit history and an evaluation of psychological suitability. KCSO detectives will conduct the investigation. Personal references and current and previous employers will also be contacted. For lateral-entry applicants, due to the accelerated nature of the hiring process, candidates must be aware that current employers will be contacted by our Background Detectives very soon following the receipt of your oral board interview.

Final Interview, Psychological/Medical Exams & Polygraph

Once you pass preliminary background process, you will have a final interview with the a chief or captain on our department and a polygraph exam. If you successfully pass the polygraph and final interview you will be scheduled for a medical exam that confirms your fitness for duty, plus a psychological exam and interview with the Department psychologist.

Timeline

For entry-level applicants, the entire process can take anywhere from three to 10 months depending on several factors. These include your rank on the Civil Service Eligibility List, availability for interviews, length of background investigation, and available vacancies among others.

For lateral-entry applicants, the entire process from KCSO being notified of your application to final offer of employment can take six to twelve weeks (possibly longer, depending upon hiring needs). The background investigation will begin immediately upon KCSO being notified of your successful oral board interview. Please see the Lateral Entry page (linked here) for more information.

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Robert Bowersock