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. A total of 12 candidates submitted applications to the nationwide search conducted by POLHIRE, which began in November 2021. Seven candidates were moved to a first round of interviews. Three candidates were selected from these interviews.

King County Sheriff Finalists

Patti Cole-Tindall, Interim Sheriff, King County Sheriff’s Office

Official photo of Patti Cole-Tindall in her dress uniform. She is a middle-aged black female with a tight curled pixie cut, with a bright open smile. — Patti Cole-Tindall, Interim Sheriff, KCSO | KCE Office

Charles Kimble, Chief of Police, Killeen, Texas Police Department

Official photo of Chief Charles Kimble in his dress uniform. He is a pleasant looking middle-aged black male, smiling. — Charles Kimble, Chief of Police, Killeen, TX | KCE Office

Reginald Moorman, Major, Atlanta, Georgia Police Department

Official photo of Reginald Moorman in his dress uniform. He is a 30-40something black male, with a closed lip smile. — Reginald Moorman, Major, Atlanta,| KCE Office

What Happens Next?

In the final phase of the selection process, the candidates will both 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. These community forums are a chance for the public to provide input, ask questions, and get to know the candidates better. Forums will take place virtually.

The first on April 18 from 6:00 – 8:00p.m.
The second on April 21 from 9:00 – 11:00a.m.

Candidate bios and more information on how to participate in the forums can be found here.

“Using priorities and criteria set by the Public Safety Advisory Committee, I am pleased we have identified three highly qualified finalists to be the next King County Sheriff,” said Executive Constantine. “Before I appoint the next Sheriff, I am eager to hear from the public and our KCSO employees as they meet the candidates and hear their vision for delivering high quality, professional, and equitable public safety.”

Why Do We Need A New King County Sheriff?

The King County Sheriff’s Office is transitioning to an appointed, rather than elected, Sheriff, following the passage of a Charter Amendment in November 2020. As part of that process, the Public Safety Advisory Committee developed recommendations for the characteristics of the next Sheriff, focusing on a strong background in law enforcement, community leadership, and community partnerships; a reputation for integrity, honesty, and transparency; the ability to inspire and motivate change; and a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. These recommendations were reviewed by Executive Constantine and the King County Council and considered during the interview process.

As part of the job requirements, the successful candidate will need to be certified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within one year of appointment.

Executive Constantine will make a final sheriff selection and transmit the nomination in early May to the King County Council. The council will then begin their confirmation process, with the new Sheriff expected to be on board this summer.

The above is a press release from King County Executive Dow Constantine. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents and encourages our readers to personally verify any information they find may be overly biased or questionable. The publication of this press release does not indicate an endorsement of its content.