Please note: Listed timelines are subject to change and will depend upon hiring needs.)
Why you should lateral to the King County Sheriff's Office:
Your take-home patrol car is issued to you soon after being sworn-in and qualifying with your weapon
You will apply directly to King County Civil Service and be scheduled for an oral board interview. Applicants are not required to take a written or physical test
Lateral-entry candidates are listed on a separate Civil Service Eligibility List from entry-level candidates
No need to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) if you successfully completed a state-sponsored academy with a minimum of 720 hours training (you must complete an equivalency academy if from out of state)
Years of service at your previous agency may apply to some specialty unit requirements for application
Pay level may be commensurate with your experience based on a command staff interview
The county jail is run by a separate county department. Therefore, there is no work assignment in the jail; you start in the field on patrol
As one of Washington's largest law enforcement agencies, your career opportunities are practically endless
Out of state lateral hires may be eligible for reimbursement of qualifying moving expenses up to $5,000
What to expect as a lateral-entry hire to KCSO:
In place of full academy training, you will attend a 5-week KCSO orientation training
Complete a week equivalency class sessions (if from outside Washington)
Field training may be accelerated based on your performance
You will 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 (Federal experience does not qualify);
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 (720 hours)
Lateral-Entry Hiring Process:
Offer employment to qualified lateral-entry applicants five to six weeks from the outset of the oral board interview, if possible
Lateral applicants are contacted immediately upon submission of your application to King County Civil Service
- Scheduled for an Oral Board Interview within 10 business days of receiving your application
(If you have not heard from King County Civil Service within 7-10 business days of submitting your application please reach out to King County Civil Service directly at (206) 477-7279 or the King County Sheriff’s Office Recruiter at (206) 263-3155)
Upon successful completion of the Oral Board Interview candidates will;
Receive a background packet that must be completed within two weeks
Once the background packet is submitted it will be assigned to one of our Detectives for the investigation process
