SEATTLE — King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the beginning of a nationwide recruitment process for the county’s next sheriff.
In November 2020, voters approved a charter amendment moving the sheriff from an elected to an appointed position, similar to how chiefs are selected in police departments.
“We have an opportunity to rethink community safety, including policing, in King County, and we intend to seize this moment to create positive change. We will conduct an extensive search and interview process to guarantee that the voices of our many communities are heard and reflected in the next sheriff,” said county executive Dow Constantine. “I look forward to working with an interim sheriff and the entire sheriff’s department staff starting Jan. 1 and, after a national search, appointing our new sheriff.”
A report published in September by the county’s public safety advisory committee highlighted key qualities that will inform the search for their next sheriff. These include a reputation for integrity, honesty and transparency, as well as a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Mitzi Johanknecht’s current term as elected sheriff expires at the end of this year. An interim sheriff will be appointed to lead the office beginning Jan. 1.
The recruitment process for the new sheriff is expected to conclude in the summer of 2022.