Lateral Deputy Sheriff

King County Sheriff's Office; Washington; On-site; USD 63,521 - 88,937; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 hours vacation on first day

$25,000 lateral candidate incentive

100% employer-paid premiums for health insurance

Take-home patrol car issued after training

Job summary

The King County Sheriff's Office, located in Washington, is seeking a full-time police officer to engage in patrol operations across multiple sites. Candidates must have a minimum of 12 months of active patrol experience and successfully complete academy training. This position offers competitive pay ranging from $46.11 to $64.56 per hour, based on experience.

Benefits include up to $40,000 in signing bonuses, employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, and liberal accrual of compensated time. Community involvement and commitment to public safety are essential aspects of the role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months of active patrol as a full-time commissioned officer.
• Successful completion of probation as a commissioned officer.
• Verification of no disqualifying behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and assist individuals in trouble.
• Respond to calls for service and gather evidence.
• Investigate disputes and complaints about individuals.
• Complete administrative report writing.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Participate in community policing activities.

Skills

Active patrol experience

Report writing

Community policing

Education

Completion of police academy training (720 hours)

Job description

Position Overview

Salary: $46.11 - $64.56 per hour, commensurate with experience. Location: Multiple sites in King County, WA. Job Type: Full Time, 40 hours per week. Division: Patrol Operations, KCSO – Sheriff's Office.

Job Duties

• Patrol a designated area of the county, assisting persons in trouble and rendering other public safety services as needed.
• Respond to calls of service and act as the situation requires, such as securing the scene, interviewing victims and witnesses, securing and gathering evidence, completing incident and arrest reports, and investigating persons suspected of being engaged in crime.
• Investigate family disputes, reports of maltreatment of children, and complaints about persons with social or behavioral problems. Required action includes taking principals into custody or referring them to appropriate agencies, such as juvenile and medical authorities.
• Complete administrative tasks, such as report writing, on time and with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Testify in court, presenting facts and observations accurately and objectively, and attesting to chain‑of‑custody in evidence handling.
• Participate in community policing activities and serve as a resource to the community.
• Perform related work as required, including assignments in administrative, investigative, and special operations units.
• Work schedule: 24/7 position, shift of day, swing, or graveyard is determined by need and the assigned location. Patrol assignments typically rotate ten‑hour shifts on a “four days on, three days off, four days on, four days off” schedule.
• This position is open for continuous recruitment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 12 months of active patrol as a full‑time commissioned police officer after completion of all academy training.
• Successful completion of probation as a commissioned officer with a city, county or state police or sheriff’s department.
• Federal Law Enforcement experience may qualify, pending review from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC).
• No more 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 must complete an 80‑hour equivalency academy.
• Verification of no automatic disqualifying behaviors of the Sheriff's Office.

Benefits & Incentives

• All laterals hired on or after 09/11/25 are eligible for 40 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time credited to leave banks on the first day of employment.
• Washington State laterals hired on 09/11/25 or after may receive a $40,000 signing bonus.
• Additional incentive: $25,000 for lateral candidates ($10,000 on first paycheck, $15,000 after probation, with a three‑year commitment).
• 100% employer‑paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.
• Take‑home patrol car issued after swearing‑in and qualifying with weapon.
• Liberal accrual of compensation time.
• Assignment premium, longevity pay, education incentive, uniforms/gear, and special sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. This policy applies to all employment actions including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, pay, and benefits.