skip to main content

   King County Sheriff

Emergency: Call 9-1-1 

King County Courthouse
516 Third Ave
Room W-150
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-4155
TTY Relay: 7-1-1
sheriff@kingcounty.gov

Call (206) 296-3311 to report a neighborhood problem or a crime that is not an emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why you should lateral to the King County Sheriff's Office:

  • King County may reimburse travel expenses for up to two trips to Seattle if you are hired (minimum 3 trips required to complete the hiring process)
  • Laterals are listed on a separate Civil Service Eligibility List from entry-level hires
  • No need to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) if you successfully completed a state-sponsored academy (you must attend a 2-week equivalency academy if from out of state)
  • Your take-home patrol car issued to you once you complete field training (not after one-year probation)
  • Years of service at your previous agency apply to most specialty unit requirements for application
  • Hired at pay level commensurate with your experience
  • No jail requirement to fulfill; you start in the field on patrol
  • As one of Washington's largest law enforcement agencies, your career opportunities are practically endless

What to expect as a lateral hire to KCSO:

  • You must take the initial written & physical tests and follow the same steps as any new hire applicant
  • In place of full academy training, you will attend 1-month KCSO orientation training
  • Complete the 2-week equivalency at CJTC within your first year of employment
  • Field training may be accelerated based on your performance
  • You become a member of the LEOFF2 retirement system

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.