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Court protection careers - Sheriff
Learn more about our court protection careers.
County marshals hold a special law enforcement commission. This commission allows them to perform law enforcement duties while on duty.
This is a great opportunity for professionals with previous experience to:
- Enhance retirement earnings.
- Continue a career of service.
Role description
The Court Protection Unit (CPU) is part of the Support Services Division (SSD) and is comprised of:
- 3 sergeants
- 36 marshal positions
- 35 noncommissioned security screeners
The CPU operates Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and King County recognized holidays.
During the first year of employment (probationary period), marshals will be assigned to either:
- King County Courthouse (Seattle)
- Maleng Justice Center (Kent)
Marshals work under the Sheriff’s Office General Orders Manual and the CPU Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). They have a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Man fixed security posts and patrol on foot.
- Make warrant arrests.
- Take defendants into custody on court ordered remands.
- Provide courtroom presence.
- Respond to a variety of different calls for service.
- Investigate incidents and write case reports.
Marshals may work 8 to 10 hour shifts (not counting overtime) with varied furlough days based on worksite. Workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours of operation vary at each of the 12 work sites.
Qualifications
You must meet the following qualifications:
- Must have graduated from a certified law enforcement academy that meets or exceeds Washington state standards.
- Must currently have, or be able to get, a valid Washington state Peace Officer Certificate.
- Must have at least 2 years of recent work experience as a fully commissioned police officer/trooper/deputy sheriff (with a break in service less than 5 years) or
- Must have 4 years of continuous service and currently serving as a reserve police officer (Washington state only) with qualification standards and work duties similar to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
- Out-of-state hires must successfully complete the Washington state equivalency academy.
- Good verbal skills and obvious experience defusing interpersonal conflicts and maintaining orderly conduct in public group situations.
- Able to qualify with a KCSO-issued firearm at least twice a year.
Locations
Marshals serve in the following locations:
- King County Courthouse, Seattle
- Youth Services Center, Seattle
- Harborview Mental Health Court, Seattle
- Washington state Court of Appeals, Seattle
- Maleng Regional Justice Center, Kent
- Bellevue District Court
- Issaquah District Court
- Shoreline District Court
- Burien District Court
- Redmond District Court
- Vashon District Court (staffed once a month)
- Auburn District Court
- Other locations as assigned
Benefits
The King County Sheriff’s Office offers competitive wages and paid training. Our excellent benefits include:
- All uniforms and equipment are provided
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- Paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents
Retirement
All retired Washington state law enforcement personnel are eligible to draw their full Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire (LEOFF) II retirement benefits while working as a Marshal full time and with full King County health care benefits.
or
Retired LEOFF II personnel can choose not to draw their retirement and instead pay into the Washington state Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS).
Under state law you cannot draw from a state retirement plan and pay into another state retirement plan at the same time. Contact the Washington state Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) to confirm your individual retirement circumstances.
If you are a Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) I or PERS II retiree, you may be able to work a number of hours and still receive your retirement benefits, but you should check with DRS.