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Civil Service Commission

Civil Service Commission

The King County Civil Service Commission helps ensure employment decisions in the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) are consistent with civil service rules.

The commission hears appeals from disciplinary actions such as the removal, suspension, demotion, or discharge of classified employees. The commission then affirms, reverses, or modifies these actions during commission meetings.  The Commission has the authority to uphold or affirm, reverse, or modify the County’s employment action.

Under the authority of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 41.14.065), King County assigns the administration, powers, and duties of the Civil Service Commission to the Human Resource Director except for the power to hear disciplinary appeals.

The Civil Service Administration manages the hiring process for most positions in the KCSO. Staff create and execute the testing process and certify the final eligibility list.

Civil Service Commission Members

All members are appointed by the King County Executive

  • Commissioner Sam Pailca, Chairperson
  • Commissioner Paige Pratter
  • Commissioner Position 2 - Vacant

Laws, Appeals and Meetings

Recruitment and selection for the King County Sheriff's Office is conducted according to Civil Service Rules.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 41.14.010 states: “The general purpose of [Civil Service] is to establish a merit system of employment for county deputy sheriffs and other employees of the office of county sheriff, thereby raising the standards and efficiency of such offices and law enforcement in general.”

For the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Human Resources Division for King County fulfills the Civil Service function by managing the hiring process for all of our Civil Service positions.

Civil Service Commission meetings are held as needed. Notice of meetings will be provided in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington Open Public Meetings Act: RCW 42.30.

Future meetings, events and locations will be listed on this page.

Next public meeting: To be determined 

Link to the Civil Service Rules above or contact Civil Service Administration at 206-477-3258.

Examination and appointment appeals must be submitted in writing to the Human Resources Director in accordance with Civil Service Rules as noted:

  • Examination appeals - Civil Service Rule 8.6.
  • Appointment appeals - Civil Service Rule 10.14. 

Disciplinary appeals/complaints must be submitted in writing to the Civil Service Commission in accordance with Civil Service Rule 14. 

Civil Service Administration

Brannon Mark

Civil Service Administrator/Staff Liaison
201 S Jackson Street, Suite #801
Seattle WA 98104
206-263-1885
bmark@kingcounty.gov


Communication with the Civil Service Commission

Contact the King County Civil Service Commissioner/Staff Liaison 

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