Entry Level Deputy Sheriff

Overview

Join the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) as an Exceptional Entry Level Deputy. Exceptional Entry Deputies will have graduated from a Basic Law Enforcement Academy that meets or exceeds the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center's standards (720 hours) within one year of application or have fewer than 12 months of experience as a full-time commissioned police officer within one year of application.

No PST testing is required. The Training Unit will review candidate experience and develop an individualized onboarding program for Exceptional Entry hires. This role supports communities in unincorporated King County, 13 contract city police departments, and transit police agencies.

STEP 1 – COMPLETE PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS) VIA PUBLIC SAFETY TESTING (PST)

• Create a PST profile and complete the PHS. This is required to move forward in the application process.
• The PST physical exam and written testing are not required for Exceptional Entry candidates. The PHS is the only PST requirement.

STEP 2 – SUBMIT APPLICATION VIA GOVERNMENTJOBS

• Applications must be complete, detailed, and current within 6 months. A resume or cover letter is not required; "see resume" is not accepted.
• The PST PHS is required and evaluated at the time of application. The PHS must not be older than six months.

STEP 3 – ORAL BOARD EXAM

• Candidates who meet all application requirements will be invited to self-schedule an oral board exam.
• Candidates who pass the oral board will advance to the background investigation.

STEP 4 – KCSO BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

• Passing candidates will receive a link to complete the electronic statement of personal history (eSOPH).
• A fully completed eSOPH is required to move forward. A thorough background investigation is required, including a polygraph, medical and psychological exam.

STEP 5 – DEPUTY ELIGIBLE REGISTER

• Candidates who pass steps 1–4 will be placed on the Exceptional Entry Deputy Eligible Register.
• Vacancies will be filled from the Exceptional Entry Deputy Eligibility Register in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

The KCSO Training Unit will review prior experience to develop individualized onboarding for those who qualify. Out-of-state Exceptional Entry Deputies will be required to complete an 80-hour equivalency academy.

All deputies begin their career on patrol. Jail service is not required. Deputies engage with residents, business owners, and visitors to strengthen community trust. Typical duties include:

• Patrol a designated area and respond to calls for service.
• Interview victims and witnesses, secure and gather evidence.
• Complete administrative tasks such as incident and arrest reports.
• Investigate family disputes and maltreatment of children.
• Respond to calls involving persons with social or behavioral problems.
• Be a resource to the community and participate in community activities.
• Testify in court and present facts and observations accurately and objectively.

• United States citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English fluently.
• At least 20.5 years of age at the time of application.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Verify that you do not meet any KCSO Automatic Disqualifying Behavior requirements.
• Must have completed the Washington State BLEA within one year of application OR have fewer than 12 months of experience as a full-time commissioned police officer within one year of application.
• Meet all KCSO background standards as listed in Civil Service Rules; background requirements evaluated throughout the hiring process.
• If living outside Washington, must be certified as a law enforcement officer and meet WAC requirements. Out-of-state Exceptional Entry Deputies will be required to complete an 80-hour equivalency academy upon hire.
• Documentation or certifications may be requested for verification.

Incumbents will have demonstrated proficiency in the following skills and abilities:

• Verbal communication, clear and direct.
• Problem solving under stress.
• De-escalation and aiding high-intensity situations.
• Integrity on and off duty.
• Active listening and empathy.
• Ability to relate to diverse communities with…