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Hiring process
Entry-level
The hiring process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 months depending on several factors. These include, but are not limited to:
- Your rank on the Civil Service Eligibility List
- Availability for interviews
- Length of background investigation
- Available vacancies
Timeline
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Application and testing
First, you must complete your application at Public Safety Testing (PST) and schedule a date to take the written exam. Tests are reported to and validated by Civil Service weekly.
The PAT will likely consist of:
- Squat thrusts: 3 minutes to complete a minimum of 35 squat thrusts to pass.
- Sit ups: 90 seconds to complete a minimum of 25 sit ups to pass.
- Pushups: 90 seconds to complete a minimum of 20 pushups to pass.
Learn more about Physical Agility Test Requirements.
You must pass all portions of the testing (written and PAT). Oral Boards are only offered to those who pass all portions.
70% is considered a passing score although this may not be competitive enough to move further in the hiring process. Please note that the minimum score is subject to change.
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Oral board
Once test results have been received, you will be contacted by King County Civil Service (KCCS) to schedule an oral board interview.
The oral board interview is part of the Civil Service testing process. It is conducted by a 3-person panel consisting of KCSO:
- Deputies
- Detectives
- Sergeants
A member of KCCS is present in the interview as a proctor. The panel will evaluate you on the following criteria:
- Communication skills
- Background
- Community involvement
- Experience
- Integrity
- Motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem solving
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Civil service eligibility list
Separate lists are maintained for entry-level and lateral candidates. Both lists determine the order in which background investigations are conducted.
Rank is based on the written test, plus 80% Oral Board scores. Only then are veterans preference, second language fluency, or Peace Corps service points applied.
Qualified candidates will be merged onto the existing entry-level eligibility list.
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Optional: Mentoring program
Our mentoring program is completely voluntary.
After completing the background packet sent to you through eSoph and a preliminary Detective review of that information, you will have the option to participate in the Mentoring Program.
Mentors are experienced deputies, detectives, or sergeants. Mentors have volunteered to be your contact person within the department. They can provide assistance, guidance, and perspective during the hiring, academy, and training processes.
Your mentor is paired with you and remains your mentor until you complete the field training (PTO) phase. Your mentor also will take you on a ride-along anywhere in the county.
It is an invaluable asset to receive advice, information, and encouragement from an objective department member who wants to see you succeed. Please note that your mentor is not an evaluator.
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Background investigation
Our thorough background investigation includes a look at your:
- Criminal history record
- Employment history
- Personal references
- Driving history
- Credit history
- Evaluation of psychological suitability
KCSO detectives will conduct the investigation. Personal references and current and previous employers will also be contacted.
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Final interview and additional exams
Once you pass the preliminary background process, you will have a final interview with the chief or captain. You will also have a polygraph exam.
If you successfully pass the polygraph and final interview, you will be scheduled for a medical exam. This exam confirms your fitness for duty. This will also include a psychological exam and an interview with a psychologist.
Lateral
The hiring process can take 6 to 12 weeks, possibly longer depending upon hiring needs. This spans from King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) being notified of your application to a final offer of employment.
The background investigation will begin immediately upon our being notified of your successful oral board interview.
Our lateral packet provides additional information about the Sheriff’s Office, the County and the region (50MB)Timeline
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Application and testing
Lateral applicants can apply directly through King County Civil Service.
Veterans' preference points are not factored in until you pass the oral board phase. You claim these points when you initially sign-up for the PST tests (entry-level) or during your application process (lateral). You should bring your DD214 to the Oral Board.
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Oral board
You can expect to be scheduled for an Oral Board interview within 10 business days of our receiving your application. If you have not heard from KCCS within 7 to 10 business days of submitting your application, please reach out to:
KCCS: 206-477-7279 or KCSO Recruiter: 206-263-5276
Once test results have been received, you will be contacted by King County Civil Service (KCCS) to schedule an oral board interview.
The oral board interview is part of the Civil Service testing process. It is conducted by a 3-person panel consisting of KCSO:
- Deputies
- Detectives
- Sergeants
A member of KCCS is present in the interview as a proctor. The panel will evaluate you on the following criteria:
- Communication skills
- Background
- Community involvement
- Experience
- Integrity
- Motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem solving
-
Civil service eligibility list
Separate lists are maintained for entry-level and lateral candidates. Both lists determine the order in which background investigations are conducted.
Rank is based solely on your Oral Board scores. Lastly, veterans' preference, second language fluency, or Peace Corps service points are applied to determine your final rank.
Qualified candidates are merged into the existing lateral eligibility list.
-
Optional: Mentoring program
Our mentoring program is completely voluntary.
After completing the background packet sent to you through eSoph and a preliminary Detective review of that information, you will have the option to participate in the Mentoring Program.
Mentors are experienced deputies, detectives, or sergeants. Mentors have volunteered to be your contact person within the department. They can provide assistance, guidance, and perspective during the hiring, academy, and training processes.
Your mentor is paired with you and remains your mentor until you complete the field training (PTO) phase. Your mentor also will take you on a ride-along anywhere in the county.
It is an invaluable asset to receive advice, information, and encouragement from an objective department member who wants to see you succeed. Please note that your mentor is not an evaluator.
-
Background investigation
Please note that, due to the accelerated nature of the hiring process, current employers will be contacted soon after receipt of your oral board interview.
Our thorough background investigation includes a look at your:
- Criminal history record
- Employment history
- Personal references
- Driving history
- Credit history
- Evaluation of psychological suitability
KCSO detectives will conduct the investigation. Personal references and current and previous employers will also be contacted.
-
Final interview and additional exams
Once you pass the preliminary background process, you will have a final interview with the chief or captain. You will also have a polygraph exam.
If you successfully pass the polygraph and final interview, you will be scheduled for a medical exam. This exam confirms your fitness for duty. This will also include a psychological exam and an interview with a psychologist.
Additional resources
Watch these videos to learn more about the hiring process.