Additionally, the city determines what their police staffing levels will be. Several cities have elected to provide officers with office space at City Hall to promote a close working relationship with the officers. A Police Oversight Committee, which embodies the partnership between contract cities and King County provides a forum for communications necessary to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship and ensure that services evolve to meet the contract city's ongoing and unique needs. Local Identity - Cities can also choose to have distinctive uniforms and vehicles marked with their city logo, giving them the appearance of having their own department. Select this link to find out about the twelve cities currently contracting with the King County Police for police services.
Cities can also augment regular police services with additional officers.
Costs are shared between unincorporated King County and contract cities, reducing the impact of administration, operation, specialization and equipment. Experience - Contract cities have a large pool of police professionals with varied background and expertise to choose from. Detectives become experts in specialized fields and are recognized within King County, and in some cases, nationally, for their work. Liability - The King County Sheriff's Office assumes all liability for salary, wages, any other compensation, injury, sickness or liability to the public for negligent acts or omissions arising from the performance of the law enforcement services by the County. The focus of police work has shifted from solely handling emergency calls to solving problems before they become repeat calls.