King County Restores Deputy Staffing in Unincorporated North, Southeast Precincts

The King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has restored deputy staffing levels to pre-shortage numbers in unincorporated areas, including the North and Southeast precincts, following a supplemental budget approval of $845,000 by the King County Council. This funding, championed by Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Reagan Dunn, reversed earlier staffing cuts made in March due to unexpected overtime costs, which had increased emergency response times and strained resources. The restoration includes six deputies per shift in the North Precinct and eight in the Southeast Precinct, allowing deputies to respond promptly to emergencies and other calls, improving public safety. Both Perry and Dunn emphasized the importance of reliable law enforcement presence for the safety of the 169,000 residents in these unincorporated communities and are working toward a more transparent and accountable public safety budgeting process. Community members expressed relief and support for the increased staffing, noting the reassurance it provides to deputies and residents alike. The council also plans to review the sheriff's staffing model to better meet evolving community needs.