 I have spent this week celebrating great successes, both within the agency and around the county, and wanted to share them with you.
7/21 - Governor’s Press conference on satellite locations for the CJTC across the state. I was invited to speak by the Governor’s Office on what is an incredible opportunity to train additional peace officers across the state simultaneously.
To watch the press release: CJTC Press Conference with Sheriff Cole-Tindall
7/22 - Promotion Ceremony. I had the privilege of taking Oath with my fellow leadership team.
To watch my Oath: Sheriff Oath of Office
To watch the entire Ceremony: Oath of Office
7/25 - Presentation of award by the US Postal Service to Nigel Bolson. Detective Bolson was recognized by the Postal Inspectors Seattle Division for providing exceptional training assistance. Read the letter of commendation HERE
7/26 - Leadership briefing presentation of 40-year coin to Captain Greg Thomas. (See 'Picture This' below)
7/26 - Attended the SeaTac Council Meeting to share my vision, goals, and current areas of focus.
This weekend I'll be at Pacific Raceways participating in the hosting of the National Hot Rod Associations 2022 Northwest Nationals event. On Sunday, I'll be joining our Fall City community during their National Night Out (NNO) festivities being held from 12-1600. I encourage everyone to take part in their local celebrations and look forward to seeing many of you out there.
- Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall
|
You may have heard in the news that the Sheriff’s Office is establishing a year-round firearms surrender program and thought to yourself, “I didn’t know this was a new thing.” If so, you are correct, it’s not brand new to the Sheriff’s Office. Voluntary surrender of firearms policy has been in place for years, but we rarely have firearms surrendered unless it’s court ordered. This new program will be better “advertising” and working with the Executive’s Office to organize buy back events. Recognizing we have staffing challenges; these events will be kept to a minimum. The financial incentives for turning in firearms is still being discussed, but I suggested it be large enough to make it worthwhile for someone to voluntarily surrender their firearm(s).
You may have also heard that we will be accepting firearms at storefronts. This information was initiated outside of the KCSO a while back and the media is still reporting it. This is not something we can do. Our storefronts and other contract
|
worksites are not routinely staffed, and there is no secure evidence facility at those locations. The unincorporated precincts and contract cities with secure evidence rooms will be the only authorized locations to drop off firearms. There will be occasions when we are called to pick up a firearm because someone doesn’t have transportation, but those calls should be infrequent. We also need procedures to safely accomplish this program, such as giving direction to community members to leave their firearms secured in their vehicles when visiting a precinct. The KC Council is also wanting procedures in place so people can surrender firearms anonymously. This is a little tricky and will depend on the circumstances of the surrender. For example, witnesses to violent crime will not be able to remain anonymous.
Captain Eric Muller will be working with PMU staff to update GOM 8.04.000 (LINK: Surrendering Weapons and Concealed Pistol Licenses) to address these issues and provide clear direction on how we will process voluntary surrenders under this program. This is an important service that we can provide our communities, thank you for your work to make this a success.
- Undersheriff Jesse Anderson
|
KCSO recently began issuing eye protection as part of the initial issue for new Deputies and Detectives. Working with our vendors, we were able to order enough eye protection to issue a pair to every current commissioned member of the agency. PMU will be distributing the Revision StingerHawk eyewear which provide high-impact protection and come with a laser protective lens. They also have prescription inserts for department members who need vision correction. These are set to start showing up at the Precincts over the next couple weeks.
- Chief Jeff Flohr / Technical Services Division
|
 This week, Captain Greg Thomas was awarded his 40-year coin after four decades of commendable service to the Sheriff's Office. As the second most senior member in the agency, he's served in many capacities but has found his heart for honoring Fallen Officers. In his current role serving as Chief of ARFF, he offers extraordinary leadership and serves as a role model to all, including his legacy within the department.
Our KCSO Communications Center have welcomed some new neighbors to the courtyard at the RCECC. The Quail family has made their home in our courtyard, roaming from side to side trying to find comfort and the sun. They can be a little shy with the humans, and if we get too close to the babies, the parents let us know- with volume and persistence! Our Telephonic Tech Garrett Grobler caught this video when they wandered close to the building – rest assured there was no fowl play in the making of this video. To watch click HERE
- Monica Burke / Communications Center Operations Manager
|
We are happy to announce that KCSO has a YouTube channel!
This channel will support us in our recruiting efforts, and act as a resource in connecting with our communities. We are looking for content that showcases the great work our members do. To visit our page, click HERE
We would love to share your stories and images, whether that's a picture of the Vashon sunset or of you and your favorite patrol partner. Send the videos to kcsomro@kingcounty.gov with a brief story about what you're sharing!
- KCSO Media Team
|
There has been a recent update to the County’s Temporary Covid-19 Personnel Policy that we wanted to share.
On July 19, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control expanded the list of recommended safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine options to include the vaccine from Novavax, in addition to the previously authorized Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
County policy has also been updated to recognize Novavax as an approved vaccine for purposes of demonstrating compliance with the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for future, current and/or former employees. This information has also been recently shared by the Office of Labor Relations with our Union partners.
Please contact our Human Resource unit if you have any questions.
- Jessica Klein / Human Resources
|
|
