Sheriff’s drug dog is on the case

Courtesy of the King County’s Sheriff’s Office Facebook page Fury, a King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) drug detection K9, is rightfully proud of this bust. His specialized detection skills helped sniff out the perps.  Detectives from multiple King County Sheriff’s Office Special Emphasis Teams (SET), with the support of TAC-30(SWAT) and Bomb Disposal Units (BDU), executed a search recently in southeast King County. The work was the result of a months-long investigation into narcotics distribution and firearms-related crimes. The results in this case are impressive and include the seizure of 3.6 pounds… Read More

Future of Work – what tech to expect back in the office

For employees returning to the office (full time or occasionally), KCIT is committed to making your transition as stress-free as possible. The Future of Work may look a little different for each department, but KCIT is launching new technology to bridge the distance between colleagues and foster greater collaboration. Here are some innovations you can expect in the coming months: Reserve your workspace in the office For employees without a permanent desk, KCIT will offer a new drop-in desk reservation system. The new system, ESRI Indoors, will launch this fall for agencies… Read More

Jaime Deer: Deputy Sheriff, Trainer, Advocate

While serving as a trainer for the King County’s Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), two things happened that helped Sgt. Jaime Deer realize that he could no longer travel the path in life he’d been born to. First, Caitlyn Jenner announced to the world she was transgender and would be transitioning to female. And second, another openly transgender officer came through the class where Jaime was the trainer. Those two events gave Jaime the courage to admit that he wasn’t being true to himself and that it was time to become the person he’d… Read More

Reminder on mask requirements for employees

On June 30, 2021 King County Executive Dow Constantine announced updated mask requirements for Executive Branch employees: If an employee has provided verified proof that they are fully vaccinated (see definition below), the employee is not required to wear a mask while working. If an employee has not provided verified proof of full vaccination, the employee is required to wear a mask when working indoors, outdoors, and when in an enclosed space with others (for example, when multiple people are in a vehicle). The only time the employee is not required to… Read More

King County Pro-equity Actions

You, as an employee may have different (and better) approaches; but here are some first steps about how you can incorporate the four pro-equity actions in your work at the County. For each approach ask “how will I advance this pro-equity action with the urgency needed to help address the public health crisis which is racism?” If we do these things every day, individually and collectively, WE WILL make a difference and WE WILL reach our True North of “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.” Share power…. Read More

New process for voluntarily providing vaccination information

On June 30, Executive Constantine announced the next phase in our COVID-19 pandemic, which includes updated requirements for wearing masks and a new process for employees to voluntarily provide vaccination information. If an employee chooses to do so, the employee can provide proof that they are fully vaccinated by either: Initiating the COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration process through their NEOGOV Dashboard (click on Dashboard > Forms > COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration) and attaching a copy of an official document (see list below), OR Showing one of the following to an HR professional or other… Read More

Jail Health Services new deputy director brings deep background

Cross-posted from Roll Call, the DAJD newsletter Angela (Angie) Hosking recently joined Jail Health Services (JHS) as Deputy Division Director, offering a wealth of behavioral health experience in her new role.  Before joining King County, she served as the Director of Organizational Development at Western State Hospital – one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country. “I am so excited that she has joined our team, and she has already started immersing herself into our practice and operations,” JHS Director Danotra McBride said in an introductory email. Soon after being named… Read More

Wastewater Treatment Division reaches out for input on accessibility options at a popular trailhead

by Monica Van der Vieren, Communications Specialist, Department of Parks and Natural Resources What is the first King County agency that comes to mind when you think about accessible recreation? You probably didn’t say the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). But WTD’s Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project team is focused on that important topic right now and looking for input from the community.   WTD’s pipes thread their way throughout the region, moving wastewater from city systems to treatment plants. Pipes run through parks, under trails, roads, and streets, across tidelands and wetlands…. Read More

Updated guidance on masks and Future of Work planning

Yesterday Gov. Inslee announced that most coronavirus restrictions in Washington would end today. This is great news and signals that, for those who have been fully vaccinated, we can begin to get back to the things we love doing without restrictions. As we move into the recovery and rebuilding phase of the pandemic, we need to remember that the pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Those who have yet to get vaccinated remain at risk, and we need to be mindful of virus variants. Following the… Read More

Community Corrections Division recognizes Sabrina Gorman for her many years of service

Cross-posted from Roll Call, the DAJD newsletter Sabrina Gorman started her career with King County 25 years ago as a Corrections Officer in Seattle back in 1996. She was then hired in 2000 as a Personal Recognizance Investigator at the Maleng Regional Justice Center. At the time, the position was under “Court Services,” which is now known as Intake Services and is part of the Community Corrections Division. What Sabrina likes best about her current position at the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) is the variety of work duties, which… Read More