Lateral Deputy Sheriff, King County, WA
With a commissioned staff of more than 770, we 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 contract city police departments, transit police agencies, and so many more.
As a lateral hire, your take-home patrol car is issued to you soon after being sworn-in and qualifying with your weapon. Starting pay is commensurate with experience, and evaluated individually.
Out of state lateral hires may be eligible for reimbursement of qualifying moving expenses up to $5,000.
We serve unincorporated King County and operate numerous city police departments plus transit police units. We offer dozens of unique assignments that range from school or community-based positions to drug enforcement and bomb disposal. 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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LATERAL APPLICANTS:
- Experience as a full-time commissioned police officer with at least 12 months of active patrol after completion of all academy training. Time training on active patrol (PTO/FTO or similar) will count towards the 12 months of active patrol requirement.
- Successful completion of probation as a commissioned officer with a city, county or state police or sheriff’s department. Federal experience does not qualify.
- Less than a two-year break in service from a former police officer position.
- Academy training that meets or exceeds the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center’s standards (720 hours).
- Out-of-state applicants will be required to complete an 80-hour equivalency academy.
- Verification that you do not meet any of the Sheriff’s Office Automatic Disqualifying Behaviors (follow the hyper link to review this list)
Application and Testing Process:
1. Direct apply – Click on the “Apply” link towards the top of this job announcement on the right. A complete application is required for processing.
- Do not type “see resume”.
- Review the Sheriff’s Office Automatic Disqualifying Behaviors form.
- Answer all supplemental questions.
2. Application Review – Applications will be screened for accuracy and completeness to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications to be considered as a lateral candidate. Civil Service reviews applications every week and will contact you within 5 to 7 business days of receiving your application.
3. Oral Board Exam – Qualified candidates will be invited to self-schedule for an oral board examination. This is a formal interview with of a panel of King County deputies, detectives, and/or sergeants. The panel will evaluate you on the following criteria: communication skills, background, skill in serving diverse communities, experience, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and problem solving.
If you require accommodation or assistance with scheduling, contact Civil Service HR Analyst, Mike Tayman [email protected].
4. Civil Service Eligibility List – Upon successfully passing the oral board examination, qualified candidates will be placed on the lateral eligibility list. The final score is based on your oral board interview and, if applicable, one of the approved preference points (see below). Ranking on this list determines the order in which background investigations are conducted.
PREFERENCE POINTS (candidates may not use more than one preference):
- Veteran’s Preference: a valid copy of your DD214 must be provided prior to or at the time of your oral board appointment to be valid. To learn more, review RCW 41.04.010
- Foreign Language Proficiency: if you speak a foreign language and wish to receive additional consideration, please indicate this on the applicable supplemental question. You must successfully pass the pre-set requirements in an assessment before additional points are added.
5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION – The background investigation process takes approximately six (6) weeks, from the point when your background investigation begins to the time you are offered a job. Some background investigations may take longer, and when the investigation begins is dependent upon your position on the eligibility list and the hiring needs of the department. The Sheriff’s Office Background Unit conducts a thorough background investigation. This includes a look at your criminal, employment, driving, and credit history, personal and professional references, polygraph exam, and an evaluation of psychological suitability. All references including your current employer will be contacted immediately due to our expedited process. Your final selection interview will be with one of our three department Chiefs. A medical exam is also required.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.