Juvenile Division uses Lean process to align with new law
As shared from Roll Call: the DAJD newsletter, December 2021 – January 2022 issue Washington state lawmakers signed House Bill 2277 in July 2020, prohibiting the use of solitary confinement statewide. While DAJD’s Juvenile Division is already in alignment with the local King County Ordinance No. 18637 passed in December 2017, this new state legislation created new definitions of both “isolation” and “room confinement.” These definitions posed significant challenges to the Juvenile Division as the Restoration Hall, a living hall where youth spend their free time learning behavioral skills after exhibiting challenging… Read More
Happy 79th birthday to retired Sheriff’s Deputy Harris
Retired Deputy Jerry Harris’ daughter recently contacted the King County’s Sheriff’s Office about her father, who had worked for KCSO from 1969 until his retirement in 1987. “He was very fond of his time with the department and proudly displayed his uniform on his wall,” said Chief Jeff Flohr. “His daughter requested a surprise visit for his 79th birthday, and we were happy to oblige.” Newcastle Police Chief Jason Houck and KCSO Community Engagement Specialist Manny Apostol visited Deputy Harris at his assisted living facility. He shared memories as an MPO and… Read More
Meet the City Hall Park Neighborhood Outreach Team
By Katie Rogers, Department of Community and Human Services Updated Oct. 6, 2022 While downtown, you may come across people in blue coats assisting our unsheltered neighbors around City Hall Park. These people are part of the City Hall Park Neighborhood Outreach Team, a one-of-a-kind program funded through the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) within the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Robert Ewanio, a King County employee since 2013, supervises the outreach team and is a familiar face around City Hall Park. He took a Special Duty assignment last… Read More
Celebrating our 911 staff National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
This week we are recognizing King County’s 911 Communications Center employees and the KCIT employees who support the 911 system during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16. 911 Communications Center employees are the primary link between people who desperately need help and people who provide it. The King County Sheriff’s Office handles 911 calls from unincorporated King County, contract cities, Metro Transit Police, King County Airport Police, and Regional Animal Services of King County. More than half a million people rely on the County’s call receivers,… Read More
King County launches new safety plan for downtown campus
King County has launched a new plan to create a safe, more welcoming environment around County facilities in downtown Seattle. The Civic Campus Safety Plan brings new and augmented resources to King County’s downtown Seattle footprint – bordered by 3rd Avenue, Yesler Terrace, James Street, and Sixth Avenue – with the goal of making the central campus a welcoming space where every person can thrive. Under the plan, expanded security and custodial services include: Additional Sheriff’s Deputies to provide regular patrols on foot and bicycle between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday… Read More
Thank you for participating in the 2022 Employee Engagement Survey
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer I want to sincerely thank you for participating in the 2022 Employee Engagement Survey. This past year has been challenging, and your feedback is essential in giving us the insights and information we need to be a supportive, inclusive, and respectful workplace. This year more than 63% of employees spoke up in the survey. Now your feedback, comments, and results are being reviewed and analyzed and we will share more detailed information and next steps with you in May. We are focused on creating a workplace… Read More
New recruits graduate Sheriff’s academy
Congratulations to Cameron Decker and Kenton Robillard, who were recently sworn in as new deputies by interim Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. Both Decker and Robillard received additional acknowledgement to include The Partner Award, which is decided upon by their classmates and peers, and the Overall Award for the highest scores in academics, including shooting. The King County Sheriff’s Office continues to recruit officers and staff for a variety of open positions. Click here to view opportunities.
Eco-friendly spring cleaning
The warmer weather and smell of blossoming trees has us in the mood for spring. It’s time to open the windows, clear away the clutter, and start the new season off fresh with a good, deep spring cleaning. From inside to out, King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks wants to help you wipe away the winter dust in a way that’s good for the planet and for you and your family. DNRP is sharing eco-friendly spring-cleaning tips and tricks across all of the department’s social media channels this week, like… Read More
Finalists announced for King County Sheriff as recruitment moves into the final phase
Following three rounds of interviews with the hiring committee, three candidates have been selected to move into the final phase of the recruitment process for a new King County Sheriff. In the final phase of the selection process, the candidates will meet with members of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, King County employees, labor representatives, and contract city representatives and engage with the community in a separate series of public forums prior to a final interview with Executive Constantine. Click here to read the full announcement.
Nonprofit application cycle and workshops
For over 30 years, King County employees have been giving to participating nonprofits of their choice through the Employee Giving Program. This past year we pledged nearly $2.4 million! For nonprofit organizations to benefit from this program, they must apply annually and meet the eligibility requirements — even if they have participated in the past. Nonprofits are encouraged to join a workshop before applying. Participants in a workshop are more likely to submit error-free, eligible applications. Tuesday, April 12 at 9 a.m. Register here. The application deadline is May 4, 2022. Click here for additional information.
Employee News 