Summary

The recruitment for King County’s next Sheriff incorporates community feedback and will include opportunities for input from community representatives, employees, and labor representatives.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the beginning of the recruitment process for King County’s new appointed Sheriff. With the charter amendment approved by voters in November 2020, the Executive’s office has worked to incorporate community identified priorities and qualifications for the next appointed Sheriff using recommendations from the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).

The open position was posted today and will be shared nationally through various organizations and recruiting forums. King County has engaged POLIHIRE to conduct the recruitment, a firm with extensive experience in leadership recruitment for public service organizations. The recruitment is expected to conclude in the summer of 2022.

"We have an opportunity to rethink community safety - including policing - in King County, and we intend to seize this moment to create positive change. We will conduct an extensive search and interview process to guarantee that the voices of our many communities are heard and reflected in the next Sheriff," said Executive Constantine. "I look forward to working with an interim Sheriff and the entire Sheriff’s department staff starting January 1 and, after a national search, appointing our new Sheriff."

The PSAC report highlighted key qualities for a new Sheriff, including a strong background in law enforcement, community leadership, and community partnerships; a reputation for integrity, honesty, and transparency; the ability to inspire and motivate change; and a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. These will form the basis for the core competencies for the next Sheriff.

With Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht’s current term as elected Sheriff expiring at the end of this year, Executive Constantine will soon appoint an Interim Sheriff to lead the King County Sheriff Office (KCSO) on an interim basis beginning Jan. 1, 2022 to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing leadership for KCSO employees while the recruitment process is completed.

Relevant links

• Public Safety Advisory Committee
• King County Sheriff - Job Posting
• Charter Amendment

Quotes

We have an opportunity to rethink community safety - including policing - in King County, and we intend to seize this moment to create positive change. We will conduct an extensive search and interview process to guarantee that the voices of our many communities are heard and reflected in the next Sheriff. I look forward to working with an interim Sheriff and the entire Sheriff’s department staff starting January 1 and, after a national search, appointing our new Sheriff.

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537