Office of the Sheriff
Thurston County
POLICY MANUAL

APPROVED BY:

______________________________
Sheriff John D. Snaza

Date: _________________________

This manual is the property of the
THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S Office

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
VISION STATEMENT
“Creating a Safer Community Together”

THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will serve as a leader and a partner within the
community in order to prevent crime, maintain safety, enforce all laws fairly and provide
for the humane care of prisoners, while at the same time respecting and protecting the
rights of all citizens.”
Guiding Principles
1) Teamwork: “I recognize the need to work as a team with all others in the
agency, with other members of the criminal justice system, and with other
involved governmental and non-governmental partners, and with the community
in general. I realize that teamwork will be the backbone of our success.”
2) Compassion: “I recognize the need to show compassion and empathy for fellow
employees, the citizens we serve, and all others. I recognize that all persons
deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their belief system.”
3) Fairness: “I recognize the importance of treating other employees, the citizens
we serve, and all others fairly. I also recognize that it is my responsibility to help
foster an atmosphere of fairness in my work environment.”
4) Professionalism: “I recognize the importance of being professional in my
duties. This includes my physical appearance, my demeanor and presentation,
and the quality of my work product.”
5) Responsibility: “I am responsible for my actions, both personal and
professional, every day. I am also responsible for helping to support this agency,
my fellow employees, and the community I serve. Responsibility for my actions
begins and ends with me.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION and MISSION STATEMENT
PREAMBLE
ETHICAL STANDARDS
ES 1.1
ES 1.2
ES 1.3
ES 1.4

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
LIMITATIONS
SPIRIT OF THE LAW
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF PERSONS

ES 2.1
ES 2.2
ES 2.3
ES 2.4

LAWFUL AUTHORITY TO USE FORCE
TRUTHFULNESS
FOLLOWING LEGAL PRACTICES
INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY

ES 3.1
ES 3.2
ES 3.3
ES 3.4
ES 3.5
ES 3.6
ES 3.7
ES 3.8

FACTORS AFFECTING RESPONSIBILITIES
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES
PREPARATION FOR ASSIGNMENT
SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF EQUIPMENT
OBJECTIVE AND IMPARTIAL ATTITUDE
INTERFERENCE WITH OFFICIAL ACTS OR DECISIONS
PARTY TO DISPUTES
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

ES 4.1
ES 4.2
ES 4.3
ES 4.4
ES 4.5
ES 4.6
ES 4.7
ES 4.8
ES 4.9
ES 4.10
ES 4.11
ES 4.12
ES 4.13

INTOXICATING BEVERAGES
INTOXICATING BEVERAGES WHILE ON-DUTY
USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
LEVEL OF CONDUCT
PAYMENT OF DEBTS
ILLEGAL POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
USE OF NAME, PHOTOGRAPH AND OFFICIAL TITLE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
DISCREDITING CONDUCT
APPEARANCE FOR COURT
INSUBORDINATION
COURTEOUS CONDUCT
STRIKES

ES 5.1
ES 5.2
ES 5.3
ES 5.4
ES 5.5
ES 5.6
ES 5.7

FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS GUARANTEED BY LAW
USE OF POSITION TO DETAIN
MISUSE OF BADGE
MISTREATMENT OF PERSONS IN CUSTODY
UNLAWFUL ARREST, SEARCH OR SEIZURE
VIOLATIONS OF LAW

1.1

ES 6.1
ES 6.2
ES 6.3
ES 6.4
ES 6.5
ES 6.6
ES 6.7
ES 6.8
ES 6.9
ES 6.10

RIGHT TO PROFESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
DOUBLE STANDARDS
EXEMPLARY STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
DISCLOSURE OF VIOLATIONS
DISQUALIFYING INFORMATION
LEVEL OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
RESPONSIBILITY OF UNDERSHERIFF AND CHIEF DEPUTIES
LEADERSHIP
ENGAGING IN PRIVATE BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT

ES 7.1
ES 7.2
ES 7.3
ES 7.4
ES 7.5
ES 7.6
ES 7.7
ES 7.8

SHARING OF INFORMATION
RENDERING OF NEEDED ASSISTANCE
COMMUNICATION OF GOALS
OFFICIAL REPORTING OF COMPLAINTS
OBSERVANCE OF VIOLATIONS
RELIEF FROM PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES
MALICIOUS HARASSMENT
HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATION – RACIAL OR SEXUAL

ES 8.1
ES 8.2
ES 8.3
ES 8.4

GIFTS, FAVORS AND/OR GRATUITIES
BADGE OF OFFICE
FEES OR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED
ISSUANCE OF CREDENTIALS

ES 9.1
ES 9.2
ES 9.3
ES 9.4
ES 9.5
ES 9.6
ES 9.7

RELEASE/DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION – INVESTIGATIONS
ANONYMITY OF SWORN PERSONNEL
PROCESSING OF PROPERTY

LAW ENFORCEMENT ROLE AND AUTHORITY
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5

1.2

OATH OF OFFICE
SHERIFF’S COMMISSION
LIMITED COMMISSIONS
OTHER POLICE COMMISSIONS
COMMISSION ABUSE

USE OF FORCE
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.5
1.2.6
1.2.7

FORCE CONTINUUM
USE OF FORCE – WHEN LAWFUL (SEE RCW 9A.16.020)
USE OF FORCE - DEADLY FORCE (SEE RCW 9A.16.040)
DEADLY FORCE TO DESTROY ANIMALS
JUSTIFICATION LIMITED TO FACTS KNOWN TO MEMBER
MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICY
MEMBERS SURRENDERING WEAPON

1.3

PURSUIT RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES
1.3.1

1.4

LESS LETHAL WEAPONS
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
1.4.6
1.4.7
1.4.8
1.4.9
1.4.10
1.4.11
1.4.12
1.4.13
1.4.14

1.5

FIREARMS TRAINING/RANGE QUALIFICATIONS
INSPECTION
QUALIFYING
RAMIFICATIONS
MODIFICATIONS TO FIREARMS
REPAIRS TO OFFICE OWNED/ISSUED FIREARMS
REPAIRS TO PERSONALLY OWNED FIREARMS
SHOTGUNS AND/OR RIFLES
MAINTENANCE OF WEAPONS
LOSS OR THEFT OF FIREARM

FIREARMS DISCHARGE INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS
1.7.1
1.7.2
1.7.3
1.7.4

1.8

FIREARMS
OTHER WEAPONS
AMMUNITION
CARRYING WEAPONS OFF DUTY

FIREARMS PROFICIENCY
1.6.1
1.6.2
1.6.3
1.6.4
1.6.5
1.6.6
1.6.7
1.6.8
1.6.9
1.6.10

1.7

ONLY APPROVED IMPACT WEAPONS WILL BE CARRIED
USE OF RESTRAINTS OR HANDCUFFS
USE OF LEG RESTRAINTS
USE OF O/C AGENT AEROSOL PROJECTORS
TACTICAL USE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS
USE OF FORCE – K-9
KINETIC ENERGY IMPACT PROJECTILES
PRACTICAL DEFENSIVE TACTICS TRAINING
DEFENSIVE TACTICS INSTRUCTORS
PERSONNEL REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE
SIDE-HANDLE BATON
REPORTING USE OF FORCE
USE OF ELECTRONIC RESTRAINING DEVICES
USE OF THE JAYCOR PEPPERBALL DELIVERY SYSTEM

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.4

1.6

COMMAND NOTIFICATION OF PURSUIT, PIT, TVI OR ROADBLOCK

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF FIREARM
DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS – INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVED
DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS – NO INJURY
FIREARMS DISCHARGE (INTERNAL REVIEW)

POST SHOOTING
1.8.1
1.8.2
1.8.3

POST-INCIDENT LEAVE AND DEBRIEFING
RETURN TO DUTY
OFFICE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO INVOLVED DEPUTY

2.1

AGENCY JURISDICTION
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6

2.2

ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY WITHIN CITIES AND TOWNS
MUTUAL AID
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS
EXERCISING OF AUTHORITY
OFF-DUTY AUTHORITY
REPORT OF ACTION

PARTICIPATION IN CHRI SYSTEM
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4

SECURITY OF INFORMATION
FALSIFICATION, DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
CONFIDENTIALITY OF OFFICE INFORMATION
RELEASE OF OFFICE INFORMATION

2.3

NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

2.4

PEACE OFFICERS POWERS ACT OF 1985

3.1

COACHING, COUNSELING, RECOGNITION AND THE
DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6

DUTY TO REPLY/COOPERATE IN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINTS
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
PRE-DISCIPLINARY HEARING
APPEAL PROCESS

3.2

MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINARY RECORDS

4.1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY

5.1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY (INVOLVING LAW
ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES)

6.1

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

6.2

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.6

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
PERSONNEL MATTERS
RESIDENCE
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE REQUIREMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSIGNMENT ORDERS

6.3

BUREAU RESPONSIBILITIES
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.3.4

6.4

OPERATIONS BUREAU
SERVICES BUREAU
CORRECTIONS BUREAU
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUREAU

COMMAND PROTOCOL
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3

CONFLICT OF ORDERS
LEAVE OF ASSIGNED POST
COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

6.5

ORGANIZATIONAL SUBDIVISIONS

6.6

ACCOUNTABILITY OF AUTHORITY

6.7

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
6,7.1
6.7.2
6.7.3
6.7.4

GOALS
ANNUAL REVIEW
INFORMATION UTILIZED
BUREAU GOALS

7.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AUTHORITY

7.2

CHAIN OF COMMAND
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4

SUPERVISION
COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION OF THE SHERIFF
COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE CHAIN OF COMMAND

7.3

SUPERVISOR ACCOUNTABILITY

7.4

DUTY TO OBEY LAWFUL ORDERS
7.4.1
7.4.2

7.5

COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS/INSUBORDINATION
CONFLICTING OR ILLEGAL ORDERS

WRITTEN DIRECTIVES
7.5.1
7.5.2
7.5.3
7.5.4
7.5.5
7.5.6
7.5.7
7.5.8
7.5.9
7.5.10
7.5.11
7.5.12

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
SPECIAL ORDERS OR OPERATIONAL DIRECTIVES
PERSONNEL ORDERS
MODIFICATIONS
STAFF MEETING REVIEW
TRAINING BULLETINS
POLICY MANUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
FORMAT
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES
PERSONNEL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
POLICY AND DIRECTIVE DISPERSAL
GENERAL ORDERS

8.1

VEHICLE POLICY
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
8.1.4
8.1.5
8.1.6
8.1.7
8.1.8
8.1.9
8.1.10
8.1.11
8.1.12
8.1.13
8.1.14
8.1.15
8.1.16
8.1.17
8.1.18
8.1.19
8.1.20

8.2

PURSUIT DRIVING
8.2.1
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.2.4
8.2.5
8.2.6
8.2.7
8.2.8
8.2.9
8.2.10
8.2.11

8.3

ROUTINE RESPONSE
URGENT RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

ACCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS
8.4.1
8.4.2

8.5

SUPERVISOR’S DECISION ON PURSUIT
MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES
SUSPECT APPREHENSION
BROADCAST OF PURSUIT INFORMATION
BACK UP OF PRIMARY UNIT
NUMBER OF PURSUIT VEHICLES
EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIREN
PURSUIT DRIVING – DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT
PURSUIT JURISDICTION
CONTACT WITH PURSUING UNITS
OUTSIDE AGENCY PURSUITS

RESPONSE TO ROUTINE AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
8.3.1
8.3.2
8.3.2

8.4

USE OF VEHICLES
OPERATION OF VEHICLES – NORMAL CONDITIONS
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION – OPERATOR
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION – SUPERVISOR
SEAT BELT USE
PARKING VEHICLES ON PUBLIC STREETS
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK OR INJURED PERSONS
CIVILIAN PASSENGERS RIDING PATROL
USE OF COUNTY VEHICLES FOR PAID DETAILS
IMPOUND OF COUNTY VEHICLES
ASSIGNED VEHICLES
SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES
REQUIRED ASSIGNED VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
ASSIGNED VEHICLE PARKING
ASSIGNED VEHICLE EQUIPMENT REMOVAL
ASSIGNED VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS
FUEL LEVEL – FLUID LEVELS – OIL CHANGE INTERVAL
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS WITH COUNTY VEHICLES OR PRIVATE VEHICLES
USED FOR COUNTY PURPOSES
COUNTY VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORTING

POINT SYSTEM
POINT PENALTY

MCT’S IN ASSIGNED VEHICLES
8.5.1
8.5.2
8.5.3
8.5.4

MODIFICATIONS PROHIBITED
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
SECURITY
PERIODIC REVIEWS

8.5.5

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

8.6

EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS TRAINING (EVOC)

9.1

UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT & APPEARANCE STANDARDS
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.1.3
9.1.4
9.1.5
9.1.6
9.1.7
9.1.8
9.1.9

9.2

BULLET PROOF VESTS OR JACKETSS
9.2.1

10.1

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
PERSONAL APPEARANCE – HAIRSTYLE REGULATIONS
UNIFORM PERSONAL APPEARANCE
UNIFORM ATTIRE – COURT APPEARANCE (DISTRICT AND SUPERIOR)
CIVILIAN ATTIRE ON DUTY
UNIFORM AND ACCESSORIES – SPECIAL OCCASIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE DRESS UNIFORM
BADGE BAND – DEATH OF OFFICER
TATTOOS, PIERCINGS AND BODY ART MODIFICATIONS

REPLACEMENT OF SOFT BODY ARMOR

SELECTION PROCESS OF APPLICANTS
10.1.1
10.1.2
10.1.3
10.1.4
10.1.5

LATERAL ENTRY
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
TCSO WILL CONDUCT A BACKGROUND CHECK
TCSO WILL CONDUCT PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL SCREENING
FILE SECURITY

10.2

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/DIVERSITY AND
WORKPLACE EQUITY

11.1

BASIC ACADEMY TRAINING

11.2

FIELD TRAINING
11.2.1

SELECTION OF FIELD TRAINING DEPUTIES

11.3

FIRST-LEVEL SUPERVISORS

11.4

MID-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

11.5

ANNUAL TRAINING
11.5.1
11.5.2

REQUIREMENTS TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING
THE LEAD INSTRUCTOR IS THE DEPUTY IN CHARGE

11.6

TRAINING RECORDS

11.7

LESSON PLANS
11.7.1

11.8

LESSON PLAN DEVELOPMENT/RESPONSIBILITY

TESTING PROCEDURES
11.8.1

TESTING FORMAT

11.8.2

TEST DEVELOPMENT

12.1

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

12.2

WRITTEN PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT

12.3

PROMOTION ADMINISTRATION

12.4

PROMOTION PROCEDURES

13.1

PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
13.1.1
13.1.2
13.1.3
13.1.4

ANNUAL EVALUATION
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE
CONTESTED EVALUATIONS
RETENTION PERIOD

13.2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATING

13.3

PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES WILL BE EVALUATED
13.3.1
13.3.2

13.4

PERSONNEL FILES
13.4.1
13.4.2

14.1

LIMITED VIEWING
FILES TO BE KEPT SEPARATE

PERFORMANCE RECOGNITION AWARDS
14.1.1
14.1.2
14.1.3
14.1.4
14.1.5
14.1.6
14.1.7
14.1.8

15.1

PROBATIONERS WILL BE EVALUATED
BUREAU CHIEFS WILL REVIEW EVALUATIONS

MEDAL OF HONOR
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL
PURPLE HEART
LIFESAVING AWARD PIN
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
CITIZEN COMMENDATION
LETTER OF RECOGNITION

SPECIALIZED UNITS
15.1.1
15.1.2
15.1.3

DIVE RESCUE TEAM (DRT)
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM (S.W.A.T.)
K-9 UNIT

16.1

EXPLORERS
16.1.1
16.1.2
16.1.3
16.1.4
16.1.5
16.1.6
16.1.7

SUPERVISION OF EXPLORERS
EXPLORER CHARTER
EXPLORER OPERATIONS
EXPLORER EQUIPMENT
EXPLORER MINIMUN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
EXPLORER UNIFORM DRESS AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS
EXPLORER RIDE ALONG PROGRAM

17.1

AGENCY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

17.2

RESERVE DEPUTIES
17.2.1
17.2.2
17.2.3
17.2.4
17.2.5
17.2.6
17.2.7
17.2.8
17.2.9
17.2.10

COMMISSION STATUS
SELECTION CRITERIA
BASIC TRAINING
ASSIGNMENT
FIREARMS TESTING
LIABILITY PROTECTION
COMPLIANCE WITH RULES AND REGULATIONS
MINIMUM STAFFING USAGE
MINIMUM PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
MAXIMUM AGE

17.3

AUXILIARY PERSONNEL

18.1

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
18.1.1
18.1.2
18.1.3
18.1.4
18.1.5
18.1.6

19.1

PUBLIC INFORMATION FUNCTION
19.1.1
19.1.2
19.1.3
19.1.4

19.2

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
ISSUANCE OF PRESS RELEASES
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

COMMUNITY RELATIONS FUNCTION
19.2.1

20.1

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT OPENINGS
PROMOTIONS
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT POSITIONS
TRANSFERS
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
REQUESTS FOR TRANSFER

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION AND COOPERATION

20.2

PATROL SHIFTS
20.2.1
20.2.2
20.2.3

20.3

COMMAND AND CONTROL IN THE FIELD
20.3.1
20.3.2
20.3.3

20.4

INITIAL INVESTIGATION BY PATROL DEPUTIES
PRIMARY INVESTIGATIONS NEED TO BE THOROUGH
FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY BE REQUIRED

FIELD INTERVIEWS
20.5.1

20.6

INITIAL DEPUTY ON THE SCENE IS IN COMMAND UNTIL RELIEVED
SUPERVISORS WILL RESPOND TO ALL MAJOR FIELD SITUATIONS
SUPERVISOR WILL TAKE COMMAND UPON ARRIVAL

INVESTIGATIONS
20.4.1
20.4.2
20.4.3

20.5

PATROL DEPUTIES WILL BE ASSIGNED TO SHIFTS AS NEEDED
PATROL DISTRICTS
SHIFT SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIFT ADMINISTRATION

DOCUMENTATION

INFORMANTS
20.6.1
20.6.2
20.6.3

CULTIVATION OF INFORMANTS
COMPENSATION
SECURITY

20.7

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

20.8

NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN
20.8.1
20.8.2
20.8.3
20.8.4
20.8.5
20.8.6
20.8.7
20.8.8
20.8.9
20.8.10

20.9

OFFICE PERSONNEL
NOTIFICATION AND SUPPORT
NOTIFICATION OF SHERIFF
RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO MEDIA
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION FORM
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER SUPPORT
GENERAL PUBLIC
NOTIFICATION BY MEMBERS
NOTIFICATION OF SERIOUS INJURY/OCCURRENCE
OUT-OF-COUNTY NOTIFICATION

24-HOUR PER DAY COVERAGE
20.9.1
20.9.2
20.9.3
20.9.4
20.9.5
20.9.6
20.9.7
20.9.8
20.9.9
20.9.10
20.9.11
20.9.12

LEAVING AREA OF SERVICE
ALTERNATE RESPONSE TO CALLS
CRIME SCENE RESPONSIBILITIES
FELONY-IN-PROGRESS CALLS
ROBBERY OR SILENT ALARM RESPONSE
BOMB THREAT INCIDENTS
DECEASED PERSON CALLS
SUMMONING OF PARAMEDICS
DETERMINATION OF DEATH – NATURAL CAUSES
AUTHORIZATION TO REMOVE BODY
DETERMINATION OF DEATH – NOT BY NATURAL CAUSES
ARREST, BOOKING

20.9.13
20.9.14
20.9.15
20.9.16
20.9.17
20.9.18
20.9.19
20.9.20
20.9.21
20.9.22
20.9.23
20.9.24
20.9.25
20.9.26
20.9.27
20.9.28
20.9.29

TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS UNDER ARREST
USE OF FORCE IN MAKING AN ARREST
SEARCHES OF PRISONERS
ADVISING SUSPECTS OF THEIR RIGHTS
NOTIFICATION OF LEGAL RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE AND SEX OFFENSES
VOLUNTEERED STATEMENTS
PROCESSING PERSONS IN CUSTODY
FIELD RELEASE
WARRANTS
EXECUTION OF WARRANT
APPROVAL FOR SEARCH WARRANT
RESPONSE TO PRODUCT TAMPERING
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENT
LOCK-OUT CALLS
SEXUAL OFFENDER NOTIFICATION
HATE CRIMES
DEFINITIONS

20.10 RACIAL PROFILING
20.10.1
20.10.2
20.10.3
20.10.4
20.10.5
20.10.6

CONDEMNATION
PREVENTING PERCEPTIONS OF RACIALLY BIASED POLICING
VIOLATIONS
SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
TRAINING
REVIEW

21.1

JUVENILE ARRESTS

21.2

RELEASE OF JUVENILES

21.3

REFERRAL TO INTAKE
21.3.1
21.3.2
21.3.3
21.3.4

FELONY ARRESTS
GROSS MISDEMEANORS AND MISDEMEANORS
COMPLETION OF JUVENILE INTAKE REPORT
NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS/GUARDIAN

21.4

PROTECTIVE CUSTODY

21.5

JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
21.5.1
21.5.2
21.5.3

21.6

ADVISEMENT OF RIGHTS
ADMINISTERING OF MEDICAL TREATMENT
INCARCERATION

JUVENILE RECORDS
21.6.1
21.6.2
21.6.3
21.6.4
21.6.5

COLLECTION
DISSEMINATION
RETENTION
EXPUNGEMENT
SEALING AND DESTRUCTION OF JUVENILE RECORDS

22.1

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PLANNING
22.1.1
22.1.2
22.1.3
22.1.4

22.2

NATURAL AND MANMADE DISASTERS
22.2.1
22.2.2
22.2.3
22.2.4
22.2.5

22.3

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
DE-ESCALATION PROCEDURE
AFTER-ACTION REPORTS
POST OCCURRENCE DUTY
MEDIA RELATIONS

EMERGENCY MOBILIZATION POLICY
22.3.1
22.3.2
22.3.3
22.3.4
22.3.5
22.3.6
22.3.7
22.3.8

22.4

CHIEF DEPUTY OF OPERATIONS
CHIEF DEPUTY OF CORRECTIONS
CHIEF DEPUTY OF SERVICES
PLANNING CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO IDENTIFY

ALERT STAGES
PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE ASSEMBLY AREAS
EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION
SPECIAL TASK FORCE ACTIVATION
KEY PERSONNEL DESIGNATIONS
TRANSPORTATION ASSIGNMENTS
COMMAND AND CONTROL
EMERGENCY MOBILIZATION PLAN REHEARSALS

CIVIL DISTURBANCE
22.4.1
22.4.2
22.4.3
22.4.4
22.4.5

APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION
LAW ENFORCEMENT OBJECTIVE
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE
ANTICIPATED EVENT REPORTING

22.5

EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

22.6

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS MANUAL

22.7

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

22.8

SITUATION MAPS

22.9

COMMAND AND CONTROL
22.9.1
22.9.2
22.9.3
22.9.4
22.9.5
22.9.6
22.9.7
22.9.8

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
CHAIN OF COMMAND
ASSUMING FIELD COMMAND
FIELD COMMAND EXCEPTION
PRESENCE OF A COMMAND LEVEL DEPUTY AT THE SCENE OF A LAW
ENFORCEMENT INCIDENT
INCIDENT COMMANDER – AUTHORITY
RELIEVING THE INCIDENT COMMANDER
CHANGE OF OVERALL COMMAND – MAJOR CRIME SCENES

22.10 MASS ARREST INCIDENTS
22.10.1 LOCATION CRITERIA

22.10.2 STAFFING OF FIELD BOOKING FACILITIES

22.11 ANNUAL REVIEW

23.1

TRAFFIC FUNCTION
23.1.1
23.1.2

OBJECTIVES
METHODS

23.2

TRAFFIC RECORD SYSTEM

23.3

CONTENTS OF TRAFFIC RECORDS SYSTEM
23.3.1
23.3.2
23.3.3

MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC INFORMATION
RETENTION AND DISTRIBUTION
RELEASE OF INFORMATION

23.4

TRAFFIC REPORT REVIEW

24.1

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

24.2

SPECIAL GROUP VIOLATORS
24.2.1
24.2.2
24.2.3
24.2.4
24.2.5
24.2.6
24.2.7

NON-RESIDENTS
JUVENILES
LEGISLATORS
FOREIGN DIPLOMATS AND CONSULATE OFFICERS
MILITARY PERSONNEL
TRAINING
ARREST AND DETENTION OF OTHER FOREIGN NATIONALS

24.3

INFORMATION PROVIDED TO VIOLATORS

24.4

UNIFORM ENFORCEMENT
24.4.1
24.4.2
24.4.3
24.4.4
24.4.5
24.4.6
24.4.7

24.5

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS
SPEED VIOLATIONS
OTHER HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS
EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS
NON-HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS
MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS
NEWLY ENACTED LAWS AND/OR REGULATIONS

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
24.5.1
24.5.2
24.5.3
24.5.4

EMERGENCY OR HAZARD LIGHTS
UNITS AUTHORIZED TO USE EMERGENCY RESPONSES
NOTIFICATION OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
TRAINING

24.6

REPORTS

24.7

CONTACT WITH TRAFFIC VIOLATORS

24.8

SPEED MEASURING DEVICES
24.8.1
24.8.2
24.8.3
24.8.4
24.8.5

24.9

TRAFFIC CITATIONS
24.9.1
24.9.2

25.1

RADAR OPERATION TRAINING
USE OF DEVICES
CALIBRATION CHECK
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE AND CERTIFICATION RECORDS

LOST OR STOLEN CITATIONS
SPOILED CITATIONS

REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION COLLISIONS
25.1.1
25.1.2
25.1.3

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HIT AND RUN/DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED COLLISION SCENES
HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS

25.2

DEPUTY RESPONSE

25.3

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
25.3.1

OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES INVOLVED

25.4

PRIVATE PROPERTY

25.5

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

25.6

CIVILIAN ESCORTS

25.7

HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS

25.8

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CONTROL OR REMOVAL AND
EMPLOYEE HEALTH, WELFARE, AND SAFETY
25.8.1
25.8.2

25.9

DEPUTY RESPONSIBILITIES
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CONTROL AND REMOVAL

ABANDONED VEHICLES/IMPOUND OF UNAUTHORIZED
VEHICLES
25.9.1
25.9.2

UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLE
HIGHWAY

25.10 TOWING
26.1

MARINE VESSEL COLLOSION INVESTIGATIONS
26.1.1
26.1.2
26.1.3
26.1.4

DEFINITIONS
WASHINGTON BOAT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT (BAIR)
BOATING ACCIDENT REPORT - OPERATOR
IMPOUND OF VESSELS

27.1

INVESTIGATIONS
27.1.1
27.1.2
27.1.3
27.1.4

CASE ASSIGNMENTS
PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
MAJOR CASES
SUSPENSION OF CASES

27.2

VICE CONTROL FUNCTION

27.3

ORGANIZED CRIME CONTROL

27.4

MAINTENANCE OF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION

27.5

CONFIDENTIAL FILES
27.5.1

27.6

INTELLIGENCE FILES
27.6.1
27.6.2
27.6.3
27.6.4

27.7

USE OF ONE-PARTY-CONSENT RECORDINGS
RESONABLE SUSPICION OF RISK
REQUESTS FOR AUTHORIZATION
REVIEW OF PROBABLE CAUSE
AUTHORIZATION FOR ONE-PARTY-CONSENT TRANSMISSION
INSUFFICIENT TIME FOR CONSULTATION
AUTHORIZATION FOR SIGNATURE TO STAFF DEPUTY
FILING OF NECESSARY REPORTS
VOICE RECORDINGS

CRIMES AGAINST VULNERABLE ADULTS / DEPENDANT
PERSONS
27.8.1
25.9.2

27.9

DISSEMINATION
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
DURATION OF POSSESSION

ONE PARTY CONSENT AUTHORIZATION
27.7.1
27.7.2
27.7.3
27.7.4
27.7.5
27.7.6
27.7.7
27.7.8
27.7.9

27.8

INFORMANT IDENTITY

DEFINITIONS
CRIMES RELATING TO VULNERABLE ADULTS / DEPENDANT PERSONS

CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
27.9.1
27.9.2
27.9.3
27.9.4
27.9.5
27.9.6

INITIAL REPORTS
REFERRALS TO AND FROM CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS)
INVESTIGATIVE REFERRALS
ONLY TRAINED INTERVIEWERS TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
PLACING JUVENILES IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY DEFINITIONS

27.10 IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATIONS
27.10.1 INVESTIGATION PROTOCOL

28.1

EVIDENTIARY ITEMS
28.1.1
28.1.2
28.1.3
28.1.4
28.1.5
28.1.6
28.1.7
28.1.8
28.1.9
28.1.10
28.1.11
28.1.12
28.1.13
28.1.14

28.2

EVIDENCE CONTROLS
28.2.1
28.2.2
28.2.3
28.2.4
28.2.5
28.2.6
28.2.7
28.2.8
28.2.9
28.2.10
28.2.11
28.2.12
28.2.13

28.3

AUDITING THE EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY FUNCTION
INSPECTION BY STATE AUDITOR
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN EVIDENCE
COPY OF MASTER EVIDENCE LIST

EVIDENCE/PROPERTY ROOM SECURITY
28.4.1
28.4.2
28.4.3
28.4.4
28.4.5
28.4.6
28.4.7
28.4.8
28.4.9

28.5

SECURING EVIDENCE
PERISHABLE ITEMS
FIREARMS
DESTRUCTION OF MARIJUANA PLANTS
OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
STORAGE OF HIGH-RISK ITEMS
DOCUMENTATION
EVIDENCE/PROPERTY FORM
DISPOSITION
DISPOSAL
UNCLAIMED MONIES
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED AS COURT EXHIBITS

INVENTORIES AND AUDITS
28.3.1
28.3.2
28.3.3
28.3.4

28.4

EVIDENCE
FOUND PROPERTY
PROPERTY HELD FOR SAFEKEEPING
CARE, CONTROL, AND PROCESSING OF EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY
STORING OF PROPERTY
PROPERTY REPORT
MARKING/TAGGING OF EVIDENCE
EXPLOSIVES
TOXIC/DANGEROUS MATERIALS
COUNTY SHOP STORAGE AREA
EVIDENCE INTEGRITY
CONVERSION DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE/PROPERTY
EVIDENCE TO OTHER AGENCIES
EVIDENCE FOR LAB TESTING

VAULT ALARM SYSTEMS
CONTROL OF VAULT/STORAGE AREA
ACCESS TO VAULT/STORAGE KEYS
INVENTORY OF KEYS
SAFE STORAGE FOR HIGH-RISK ITEMS
CHANGING OF COMBINATIONS
ENTRY IN ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE PERSONNEL
ALARM ACTIVATIONS
EVIDENCE LOCKERS

SEIZURE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS-NOTIFICATION OF LANDLORD
(RCW) 59-18-075

28.6

ASSET SEIZURES
28.6.1
28.6.2

29.1

COMPENSATION
29.1.1
29.1.2

29.2

PEER SUPPORT

LEAVE
29.3.1
29.3.2
29.3.3
29.3.4
29.3.5

29.4

BARGAINING UNIT AGREEMENT
NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

BENEFITS
29.2.1

29.3

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
HEARING DETERMINATION

BARGAINING UNIT AGREEMENT
NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
RECORD OF LEAVE
REQUEST FOR LEAVE
SICK LEAVE NOTIFICATION TO THE AGENCY

INSURANCE RETIREMENT
29.4.1
29.4.2

BENEFITS INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

29.5

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

29.6

PHYSICAL FITNESS

29.7

EMPLOYEE TIME RECORDS (TELESTAFF)
29.7.1
29.7.2
29.7.3
29.7.4

30.1

PAY PERIODS
RECORDS MAINTENANCE
OVERTIME
SUPERVISORY APPROVAL

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT AND ROLE OF THE
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
30.1.1

MANAGEMENT ROLE

30.2

DISSEMINATION OF BARGAINING AGREEMENT

30.3

SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL

30.4

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMPLIANCE

31.1

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
31.1.1

31.2

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE COORDINATION

CONTENTS OF GRIEVANCE

31.3

GRIEVANCE CONTROLS/APPEALS AND RECORDS
31.3.1
31.3.2
31.3.3

32.1

INFORMAL RESOLUTION OF POTENTIAL GRIEVANCES
APPEALS OF DECISIONS OF GRIEVANCE MATTERS
RECORDS OF GRIEVANCES

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
32.1.1
32.1.2

POTENTIAL COMPLAINTS
NOTIFICATION OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

32.2

CATEGORIES OF COMPLAINTS

32.3

RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL OR POSITION FOR THE
INTERNAL AFFAIRS/PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT
FUNCTION

32.4

INTERNAL AFFAIRS POLICY DISSEMINATION

32.5

CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

32.6

COMPLAINTS AGAINST THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE PERSONNEL
32.6.1

32.7

MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATION FILES
32.7.1

33.1

ACCESS TO RECORDS
RECORDS CHECK REQUESTS
FALSIFICATION, DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS
RELEASE OF OFFICE INFORMATION
ACCESSING INFORMATION IN COMPUTER SYSTEM

WASHINGTON CRIME INFORMATION CENTER
34.2.1
34.2.2

34.3

PURPOSE OF REPORTS
APPROVED REPORTS/FORMS
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPORT WRITING

RECORDS INTEGRITY
34.1.1
34.1.2
34.1.3
34.1.4
34.1.5
34.1.6

34.2

INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS RETENTION SCHEDULE

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTING PROGRAM
33.1.1
33.1.2
33.1.3
33.1.4
33.1.5

34.1

DUTY TO REPORT MISCONDUCT

ACCESS SYSTEM
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

WANTED, MISSING AND RUNAWAY PERSONS

34.4

WASHINGTON UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING

34.5

OFFICER SAFETY WACIC FILE
34.5.1
34.5.2
34.5.3

PURPOSE OF THE OFFICER SAFETY FILE
CRITERIA FOR ENTRY INTO WACIC
FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT/OFFICER KILLED

35.1

CRIME ANALYSIS FUNCTION

35.2

REGULAR AND SPECIAL BRIEFINGS

36.1

PLANNING AND RESEARCH FUNCTION
36.1.1
36.1.2
36.1.3

PROVIDING POLICY/EXERCISING DISCRETION
SINGLE-USE PLANS
PLANNING COMMITTEE

36.2

MULTI-YEAR PLAN

37.1

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

37.2

OTHER AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

37.3

BUDGET PREPARATION

37.4

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

37.5

AUDITS

37.6

CASH
37.6.1
37.6.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INTERNAL AUDITS

37.7

INVENTORY CONTROL

37.8

PURCHASING
37.8.1
37.8.2

37.9

PURCHASE REQUISITIONS
BIDDING PROCEDURES

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

37.10 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
37.11 CONTRACTURAL SERVICES
38.1

SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS
38.1.1
38.1.2
38.1.3
38.1.4
38.1.5
38.1.6

ANSWERING THE TELEPHONE
PERSONAL CALLS
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
COMMON PROCEDURES
CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION

38.1.7
38.1.8
38.1.9
38.1.10
38.1.11
38.1.12

CALL SIGNS
STATUS
COOPERATION
VIOLATIONS
PERSONNEL
DISCIPLINE

39.1

CUSTODIAL CARE STANDARDS

39.2

LEGAL ADVICE
39.2.1

CIVIL LITIGATION

39.3

LIABILITY INSURANCE

40.1

BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPOSURE
CONTROL PLAN
40.1.1
40.1.2
40.1.3
40.1.4

40.2

HEALTH RISK NOTIFICATION
MATTERS AFFECTING INMATES
PERSONNEL COMPLIANCE
ANNUAL POLICY REVIEW

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
ACT (HIPAA) OF 1996

GENERAL ORDERS
DEFINITIONS

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

PREAMBLE
Like other professions, law enforcement must establish minimum standards of ethical conduct for its
incumbents. Since law enforcement encompasses an increasing number of specialists, many of
whom are not the traditional commissioned police officer, this policy also is intended to establish
expectations of conduct for them. It is the policy of this Office that all members of the Office shall be
bound by these Standards unless specifically excluded by the nature of the Standard itself, e.g.,
when the Standard may refer to the exercise of commission authority which some members of the
Office do not have.
Deputies are granted a public trust which requires that they consistently demonstrate the highest
degree of integrity. To be worthy of this public trust, and to ensure that their professional conduct is
above reproach, members of the law enforcement profession must not only conform to a Code of
Ethics but must also abide by these Canons of Ethics and Ethical Standards which constitute this
Code of Professional Conduct and Responsibility as a means of internal regulation. The essence of
a profession is that it requires, in addition to prescribing a desired level of performance, established
minimum standards of ethical conduct with prescribed rules for internal discipline to ensure
compliance. Accordingly, this Code of Professional Conduct and Responsibility has been
established for the law enforcement profession. Nothing in this Code of Professional Conduct and
Responsibility for Deputies is intended to limit or supersede any provision of law relating to the
duties and obligations of Deputies or the consequences of a violation thereof. Whereas these rules
specify certain conduct as unprofessional, this is not to be interpreted as approval of conduct not
specifically mentioned. Nothing in this Code is intended to limit the authority of this agency to adopt
and enforce rules and regulations that are more stringent or comprehensive than those that are
contained in this Code of Professional Conduct and Responsibility for Deputies.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

ETHICAL STANDARDS
STANDARD I
Deputy Sheriffs shall uphold the Constitution of the United States,
The State Constitution, and all laws enacted or established
pursuant to legally constituted authority.

ES 1.1

Primary Responsibility
Deputy Sheriffs shall recognize that the primary responsibility of their
profession and of the individual officer is the protection of the people within
the jurisdiction of the United States through upholding of their laws, the most
important of which are the Constitution of the United States and State
Constitutions and laws derived there from.

ES 1.2

Limitations
Deputy Sheriffs shall be aware of the extent and limitations of their authority
in the enforcement of the law.

ES 1.3

Spirit of the Law
Deputy Sheriffs shall endeavor to uphold the spirit of the law, as opposed to
enforcing merely the letter of the law.

ES 1.4

Constitutional Rights of Persons
Deputy Sheriffs shall respect and uphold the dignity, human rights, and
Constitutional rights of all persons.

STANDARD II
Deputy Sheriffs and office members shall be aware of and shall use
proper and ethical procedures in discharging
their official duties and responsibilities

ES 2.1

Lawful Authority to Use Force
Deputy Sheriffs shall be aware of their lawful authority to use that force
reasonably necessary in securing compliance with their lawful enforcement
duties.

ES 2.2

Truthfulness
Members shall truthfully, completely, and impartially report, testify, and
present evidence in all matters of an official nature.
A. Members shall truthfully answer all questions specifically directed and
related to the scope of employment and operations of the office which
may be asked of them by a supervisor.
B. Members shall be familiar with, abide by, and conform to all laws and
regulations in force, and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office policies,
procedures and regulations.
C. Members shall submit all necessary reports on time and in accordance
with established procedures. Reports submitted by members shall be
truthful and complete, and no member shall knowingly enter or cause to
be entered any inaccurate, false or improper information.
D. Upon the order of the Sheriff or his/her designee, members shall submit
to any medical, psychological/psychiatric examination, ballistics, chemical
or other tests, photographs or lineups; subject to applicable laws. All
procedures shall be specifically directed and narrowly related to a
particular investigation conducted by the office. In the event a violation of
law is being investigated, members will be afforded the same rights and
restrictions as private citizens.

ES 2.3

Following Legal Practices
Deputy Sheriffs shall follow applicable laws in such areas as interrogation,
arrest or detention, searches, seizures, use of informants, and collection and
preservation of evidence.
A. Members shall not convert to their own use, manufacture, conceal, falsify,
destroy, remove, tamper with, or withhold evidence or information, or
make false accusations of a criminal or traffic charge.
B. Members shall not involve themselves in any manner in any third party
civil action growing out of their official knowledge or actions, except by
due process of law.
C. No member shall initiate a civil action for damages sustained in the line of
duty without first reporting the case in writing to the Sheriff.

D. A member shall not apply for a warrant concerning an on-duty assault
upon them without first reporting the case in writing through his
immediate supervisor to his division commander.

ES 2.4

Integrity, Fairness and Impartiality
Members shall follow the principles of integrity, fairness, and impartiality in
connection with their duties.
A. Members shall not affiliate themselves with any organization whose rules,
by-laws, constitution, or policies require or expect them as law
enforcement officials to give or receive special considerations in the
performance of their duties to other members of the organization.
B. Employees shall not belong to or participate in the activities of any
organization, association, society, or other group, the activities or
purpose of which is subversive in nature, or which may adversely
influence or control the work or service of any employee in their official
capacity.
C. While acting in an official capacity, members shall maintain a neutral
position with regard to the merits of any labor dispute, political protest, or
other public demonstration.

STANDARD III
Members shall regard the discharge of their duties as a public
Trust and shall recognize their responsibilities to the people whom
they are sworn to protect and serve.

ES 3.1

Factors Affecting Responsibilities
Members, as professionals, shall maintain an awareness of those factors
affecting their responsibilities.
A. When any person applies for assistance or advice or makes complaints
or reports, either by telephone or in person, all pertinent information will
be obtained in an official and courteous manner and will be properly
acted upon consistent with established procedures.

ES 3.2

Professional Performance of Duties
Members, during their hours of work, shall diligently devote their time and
attention to the effective and professional performance of their
responsibilities.
A. Members shall carry their identification cards on their person when on
duty except when impractical or dangerous to their safety or to an
investigation. They shall furnish their name and I.D. number to any
person requesting that information except when the withholding of such
information is necessary for the performance of law enforcement duties,
or is authorized by proper authority.

ES 3.3

Preparation for Assignment
Members shall ensure that they are prepared for the effective and efficient
undertaking of their assignment.
A. Physically and Mentally Fit –
All members will report for duty at the time designated by their supervisor,
and will be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties. They will be
properly equipped and will make themselves aware of any information
necessary for proper performance of the duties on their shift. Judicial
subpoenas shall constitute an order to appear under this section.
B. Attendance –
Members shall not feign illness or injury, falsely report themselves ill or
injured, or otherwise deceive or attempt to deceive any official of the office to
the condition of their health. All members will report for duty at their
designated time unless other arrangements have been made with their
immediate supervisor. If any member must leave duty before the end of shift
due to illness or other circumstance, the member must inform his supervisor
before leaving. Leaving early without notification will be deemed neglect of
duty and will be grounds for disciplinary action.
All members appearing for duty will be in the proper dress for their
assignment. All members will be clean and well-groomed about their person,

and appropriate clothing will be clean and pressed/ironed, with the exception
of undercover operations.
Members shall remain awake while on duty. If unable to do so, they shall
report this to their supervisor, who shall determine the proper course of
action.
C. Incompetence –
Members shall maintain sufficient competency to properly perform their
duties and assume the responsibilities of their positions. Members shall
perform their duties in a manner which will tend to establish and maintain the
highest standards of effectiveness in carrying out the functions and
objectives of the office.
Incompetence may be demonstrated by a lack of knowledge of the
application of laws required to be enforced; an unwillingness or inability to
perform assigned tasks; the failure to conform to work standards established
for a member’s rank, grade, or position; the failure to take appropriate action
on the occasion of a crime, disorder, or other condition deserving law
enforcement attention; absence without leave; or unnecessary absence from
the assigned hours of work.
In addition to other indications of incompetence, the following will be
considered PRIMA FACIE evidence of incompetence: Repeated poor
evaluations or a written record of repeated infractions of the rules,
regulations, manuals or directives.

ES 3.4

Safe and Efficient Use of Equipment
Members shall safely and efficiently use equipment and material available to
them.
Members shall utilize Sheriff’s Office equipment only for its intended purpose
in accordance with established procedures and shall not abuse, damage or
lose official equipment. All equipment issued to members, including
manuals, shall be maintained in proper order.

ES 3.5

Objective and Impartial Attitude
Members, with due regard for compassion, shall maintain an objective and
impartial attitude in official contacts.

ES 3.6

Interference With Official Acts or Decisions
Members shall not allow their personal convictions, beliefs, prejudices, or
biases to interfere with their official acts or decisions.

ES 3.7

Party to Disputes
Deputy Sheriffs will not exercise their official authority in disputes to which
they are a party except in cases where circumstances require a reasonable
person to act.
A. When off-duty, Deputy Sheriffs shall utilize discretion and sound
judgment when becoming involved, in their official capacity, in minor,
non-emergency, family or neighborhood disputes.

B. Deputy Sheriffs are required to enforce laws of Thurston County, the
State of Washington, and the United States. Because Deputy Sheriffs
are required to set an example and are not exempt from the same
criminal laws that they are enforcing, it is mandatory that they adhere to
the same laws they are attempting to enforce.
1. Off-Duty Responsibilities – Even while officially off duty, Deputy
Sheriffs will always be subject to orders from competent authority and
to provide assistance in emergency situations that come to their
attention. Further, the fact that they are technically off-duty shall not
relieve them of the necessity to take police action on any violent,
criminal law enforcement matter coming to their attention, provided
they can do so without endangering themselves or any of their family
members who may be present with them at the time of the incident.
In the event that an off-duty deputy sheriff does take enforcement
action of any kind, he/she will immediately contact the on-duty
supervisor and fully inform them of any and all actions taken.
Depending upon the nature of involvement, the off-duty deputy sheriff
may be required to complete a report of the incident.
2. Minor Misdemeanors – When a minor misdemeanor comes to the
attention of an off-duty deputy sheriff, the deputy sheriff will attempt to
avoid involvement and will contact the appropriate law enforcement
agency for necessary services, if the incident so justifies.
3. Privately Operated Vehicles – Privately operated vehicles shall not be
utilized for enforcement purposes without the expressed authorization
of a Chief Deputy or higher rank.

ES 3.8

Electronic Communications
Members of the Sheriff’s Office who use the County’s electronic
communications such as, but not limited to, computer-generated documents,
files or programs, electronic mail and computer networks, are to use them in
accordance with Sheriff’s Office regulations that exist for other forms of
communication. Electronic communications are not private and may be
reviewed by the appointing authority or their designee.
Members should follow the Thurston County Internet Usage procedures and
electronic policies for circumstances not listed in TCSO Policies &
Procedures.

STANDARD IV
Members shall so conduct their public and private lives that they
exemplify the high standards of integrity, trust, and morality
demanded of members of the law enforcement profession.

ES 4.1

Intoxicating Beverages
Members shall refrain from consuming intoxicating beverages to the extent
that it brings discredit upon the Sheriff’s office, or renders them unfit for their
next tour of duty.

ES 4.2

Intoxicating Beverages While On-Duty
Members shall not consume intoxicating beverages while on duty, except to
the degree permitted in the performance of official duties (such as during a
sanctioned, undercover operation).
A. Members shall not bring alcoholic beverages into the Sheriff’s Office or,
while on or off duty, transport alcoholic beverages in Sheriff’s Office
vehicles, except as:
1. Evidence;
2. Property of a prisoner or suspect; or
3. Found Property.
B. Commissioned deputies shall not drink any alcoholic beverages while in
uniform or any part of the uniform.

ES 4.3

Use of Controlled Substances
Members shall not use any narcotics, hallucinogens, or any other controlled
substance except when legally prescribed. When such controlled
substances are prescribed, members shall notify their supervisor prior to
reporting for duty, if those substances can impair or affect the deputy’s ability
to perform their job. (i.e., pain medications, anti-depressants, or other
narcotic-based medications)

ES 4.4

Level of Conduct
Members shall maintain a level of conduct in their personal and business
affairs in keeping with the high standards of the law enforcement profession.
Members shall not participate in any incident involving moral turpitude, which
tends to impair their ability to perform as law enforcement professionals or
causes the office to be brought into disrepute.
A. Members shall not engage or participate in any forms of illegal gambling
at any time except in the performance of duty and while acting under
proper and specific orders from a supervisor.
B. Members, when in uniform, may use tobacco as long as it is done in a
manner that will not offend others or deter from the member’s
professional bearing.

ES 4.5

Payment of Debts
Members shall not undertake financial obligations which they know they will
be unable to meet and shall pay all just debts.
An isolated instance of financial irresponsibility will not be grounds for
discipline, except in unusually severe cases. However, repeated instances of
financial difficulty shall be cause for disciplinary action. Filing a voluntary
bankruptcy petition shall not, in itself, be cause for discipline. Financial
difficulties stemming from unforeseen medical expenses or personal disaster
shall not be cause for discipline, provided that a good faith effort to settle all
accounts is being undertaken.

ES 4.6

Illegal Political Activities
Members shall not engage in illegal political activities.
Involvement in political activities will not be permitted during a member’s onduty time, or in any county owned or leased facility. Political activities
include, but are not limited to, soliciting or receiving any assessment,
subscription or contribution for any political party or cause, or storing,
posting, carrying or distributing political literature of any nature, or promoting
the candidacy of any person for elected office.

ES 4.7

Use of Name, Photograph and Official Title
Members shall not permit or authorize for personal gain the use of their name
or photograph and official title identifying them as a member of this office in
connection with testimonials, advertisements for any commodity, commercial
enterprise, or commercial service which is not the product of the member
involved, without the approval of the Sheriff.
A. Office stationery/letterhead will be used for official purposes only.
Unauthorized use may be grounds for disciplinary action.
B. Any statement about the office or its function which reflects a member’s
personal opinion will be clearly presented as such.
C. Members shall secure the permission of the Sheriff, or his/her designee
before attending conventions or filling speaking engagements as official
representatives of the office.
D. Members shall not recommend or suggest the employment of any
attorney, bondsman, business firm, or individual to any persons during
the course of or as a result of their official business as members of the
office.

ES 4.8

Conflict of Interest
Members shall not engage in any activity which would create a conflict of
interest or would be in violation of any criminal law.
A. Members shall not improperly request the aid or influence of any person
or agency outside the office to effect their transfer to any assignment or
duty, retention in any assignments of duty, return to any assignment or
duty from which they have been removed by order of a supervisor, or
promotion to a higher rank in service; and they shall not knowingly permit

any petition to be prepared or presented on their behalf for any such
purpose.
B. Members will not accept, maintain, or disperse funds or property of
correctional facility inmates, except as authorized.
C. Contraband of any kind seized or forfeited from correctional facility
inmates shall be disposed of through established procedures and in no
case shall contraband be converted to the personal use of any member
of this office.

ES 4.9

Discrediting Conduct
Members, while on duty, shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner
which does not discredit the law enforcement profession, or the Sheriff’s
Office.
A. A member is the most conspicuous representative of government, and to
the majority of people he or she is the symbol of stability and authority
upon whom they can rely. A member’s conduct is closely scrutinized and
when their actions are found to be excessive, unwarranted or unjustified,
they are criticized far more severely than comparable persons. Such
behavior, whether on or off duty, may be grounds for disciplinary action
whenever it is brought to the attention of the office.
B. While on duty, members will remain attentive to their assigned
responsibilities. They will not enter taverns, casinos, or other like
establishments or attend public entertainments except in furtherance of
their duties.
C. When involved in any inmate-offender professional dealings:
1. Sheriff’s Office members shall:
a. Maintain fair and consistent relationships with all inmates,
persons in custody and/or control and offenders in accordance
with their assigned duties.
b. Conduct themselves in a manner to avoid being placed in a
situation which could compromise their professional integrity,
compromise security, or cause embarrassment to the Thurston
County Sheriff’s Office.
c. Maintain a dignified but firm and fair demeanor in their dealings
with inmates, persons in custody and/or control, and offenders,
their families and friends.
d. Deal with inmates, persons in custody and/or control and
offenders on a courteous and professional basis.
e. Report all family relationships with inmates, persons in custody
and/or control, and offenders to the Bureau Chief immediately.
f.

Report, to their immediate supervisor, any request to engage in
an authorized activity with inmates, offenders or their families.

g. Report to their immediate supervisor any gratuity, bribery,
attempted bribery or solicitation of bribery by any inmate or

offender; any attempt to jeopardize accepted employee/inmate
relationships and/or any unauthorized contact by inmates,
persons in custody and/or control, or offenders.
h. Take corrective action on all Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
inmate violations to ensure impartiality and fairness with all
inmates.
i.

Recognize the individuality of inmates and offenders without
favoritism. Such conduct is inherently unfair to both the favored
and non-favored. Professional reaction to inmates must always
be objective and not based on personal or subjective issues.

2. Sheriff’s Office members shall not:
a. Have a personal relationship with inmates, persons in custody
and/or control, unless they are previously related to the inmate.
b. Become involved in a sexual or intimate relationship with inmates,
persons in custody and/or control.
c. Except as required as part of their assigned duties, take to or
send from any inmate any letter, writing, message, verbal or
written literature or reading material or any other item without
permission of their Bureau Chief.
d. Contact or correspond with inmates, persons in custody and/or
control, or offenders unless it is part of the employee’s duties or
permission is granted by their Bureau Chief.
e. Except as required as part of their assigned duties, give any food
or beverage brought from outside TCCF or purchased from
commissary to inmate without permission from their immediate
supervisor.
f.

Barter, deal or engage in a business relationship without the
approval of the appropriate Bureau Chief, with inmates or
offenders.

g. Receive from an inmate, persons in custody and/or control,
offender or their family any gift or present without written
permission from the Bureau Chief.
h. Except as required as part of their assigned duties, deal directly
with, be involved in, or sponsor personal activities with an
inmate/offender without official approval.
i.

Discuss personal issues with or in the presence of inmates,
persons in custody and/or control, or offenders.

j.

Associate with ex-inmates and ex-offenders who:
i.

Would bring discredit to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

ii.

Could place them under any kind of personal obligation which
could lead any person to accept official favors.

iii.

Could compromise their professional integrity.

iv.

May be involved in illegal activity(s).

k. Engage in undue familiarity with inmates and offenders.

ES 4.10 Appearance for Court
A. All members will report for court at the designated time.
B. Members will be responsible for contacting the Prosecuting Attorney’s
Office the day before the scheduled court date to determine if the case is
still scheduled. They will also be responsible for contacting the
Prosecuting Attorney to go over their testimony at least thirty (30) minutes
before court
C. All members will be clean and well-groomed about their person, and
appropriate clothing will be clean and pressed/ironed. The attire is
uniform of the day or professional-appearing attire. The long sleeve
uniform shirt will be worn with a tie. Jumpsuits are not acceptable in
Superior Court.
D. While in court, members will avoid any indication of bias, prejudice, or
anger. Testimony will be in a clear, concise manner. Questions shall be
answered promptly, truthfully, and without trace of evasion. Personal
behavior shall be exemplary, both while in court awaiting call, and while
on the witness stand.
E. Any member who is subpoenaed to testify in court regarding cases
growing out of official duties will appear at the time and date indicated.
Failure to appear will constitute neglect of duty.

ES 4.11 Insubordination
Members shall not be disrespectful, insolent, mutinous or untruthful in
attitude or conduct towards any supervisor.

ES 4.12 Courteous Conduct
Members shall be courteous and respectful in their official dealings with the
public, fellow members, superiors and subordinates. They will be orderly,
attentive, and will exercise patience and discretion in dealing with the public.
A. Members, unless otherwise permitted by law, shall not discuss office
policies or internal problems of the Sheriff’s Office, or malign any
employee of this agency to the public, or engage in conversation
construed to be detrimental to the welfare of the office.
B. Members shall not perform any acts or make any statements, oral or
written, for publication or otherwise;
1. Which tend to disrupt or impair the performance of official duties and
obligations of employees of the office; or
2. Which tend to interfere with or subvert the reasonable supervision or
proper discipline of employees of the office.

C. To promote a non-offensive environment, it shall be the policy of the
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office that language considered to be offensive
to any reasonable citizen shall not be used inappropriately by any
member of the office while conducting Sheriff’s Office business, or in any
Sheriff’s Office facility. Violations of this policy will be treated the same
as any normal violation of the policy manual.

ES 4.13 Strikes
Members shall not engage in any strike, work obstruction or abstention, in
whole or in part, from the full, faithful and proper performance of their
assigned duties and responsibilities, except as authorized by law.

STANDARD V
Deputy Sheriffs and office members shall recognize that our society holds the freedom
of the individual as a paramount percept which shall not be
infringed upon without just, legal cause.

ES 5.1

Freedom of Individuals
Deputy Sheriffs shall not restrict the freedom of individuals, whether by
detention or arrest, except to the extent necessary to legally or reasonably
apply the law.

ES 5.2

Fundamental Rights Guaranteed by Law
Deputy Sheriffs shall recognize the rights of individuals to be free from
capricious or arbitrary acts which deny or abridge their fundamental rights as
guaranteed by law.

ES 5.3

Use of Position to Detain
Deputy Sheriffs shall not use their official position to detain any individual, or
to restrict the freedom of any individual, except in the manner and means
permitted or prescribed by law.

ES 5.4

Misuse of Badge
Deputy Sheriffs shall not knowingly permit any person not appointed in this
office to use a Sheriff’s Office badge, official credential, or uniform at any
time, unless otherwise authorized by the Sheriff or Undersheriff.

ES 5.5

Mistreatment of Persons in Custody
Members shall not mistreat persons who are in their custody. Members shall
handle such persons in accordance with law and established procedures.

ES 5.6

Unlawful Arrest, Search or Seizure
Deputy Sheriffs shall not make any arrest, search or seizure which they know
or should know is not in accordance with law and established policies and
procedures.

ES 5.7

Violations of Law
Members shall obey all laws. Violations of any law or a conviction may be
cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

STANDARD VI
Members shall assist in maintaining the integrity and
competence of the law enforcement profession.

ES 6.1

Right to Professional Law Enforcement Services
Members shall recognize that every person in our society is entitled to
professional, effective, and efficient law enforcement services.

ES 6.2

Double Standards
Members shall perform their duties in such a manner as to discourage double
standards.

ES 6.3

Exemplary Standards of Performance
Members shall conduct themselves so as to set exemplary standards of
performance for all law enforcement personnel.

ES 6.4

Disclosure of Violations
Members shall maintain the integrity of the profession through complete
disclosure of those who violate any of these rules of conduct, violate any law,
or who conduct themselves in a manner which tends to discredit the
profession.

ES 6.5

Disqualifying Information
Members shall have the responsibility for reporting to proper authorities any
known information which would serve to disqualify candidates from
transferring within or entering the profession.

ES 6.6

Level of Education and Training
Members shall be responsible for maintaining a level of education and
training that will keep them abreast of current techniques, concepts, laws,
and requirements of their profession.

ES 6.7

Responsibility of Undersheriff and Chief Deputies
The Undersheriff and Chief Deputies shall accept the responsibilities of
utilizing all available resources and the authority of their office to maintain the
integrity of their agency and the competency of their members.

ES 6.8

Leadership
Members shall assume a leadership role in furthering their profession by
encouraging and assisting in the education and training of other members of
the profession.

ES 6.9

Engaging in Private Business
It is the obligation of members to devote their on-duty time to official matters
only. Therefore, private business shall not be engaged in during a tour of
duty unless expressed permission (based upon unusual or extenuating
circumstances) is granted by a supervisor.

ES 6.10 Additional Employment
Any member who wishes to take additional employment during off-duty hours
will inform the Sheriff or Undersheriff in writing before accepting the
employment. In doing so, the member will fully describe the nature of the
work to be performed and the hours of work. If it is judged that the additional
employment involves misuse of the commission or could adversely affect the
member’s on-duty work performance or the office’s image or efficiency, the
request will be denied.
A. If an off-duty employment situation held by a member is found to interfere
with (1) the office’s image or efficiency; (2) the on-duty work performance
of the individual in question; or (3) is found to involve misuse of the
commission, the member will be required to terminate such employment.
(Also see Thurston County Personnel Rule #200.310 “Outside
Employment.”)
B. The primary obligation and responsibility of a member who accepts offduty employment must be to the Sheriff’s Office. Members directed to
report for overtime work will do so regardless of their off-duty employment
situation.
C. It shall not follow or result in an unusual sick or absence record in a
member’s primary law enforcement employment, and time expended in
performance of off-duty employment shall not exceed time required to be
devoted to primary law enforcement employment.
D. It shall not interfere with the efficiency of law enforcement and public
safety.
E. Members are prohibited from working in any of the following:
1. At any occupation which would tend to lower the dignity of law
enforcement service.
2. Any employment which has any connection with the towing of
vehicles, taxi cab, or ambulance company, bail bondsman, private
detective, or media reporter;
3. In the performance of tasks other than those of law enforcement
service, while in uniform;
4. As a process server or bill collector or in any other employment in
which law enforcement authority might tend to be used for private
purpose of a civil nature;
5. Any employment which requires access to criminal justice or law
enforcement records as a condition of employment;

6. Employment which assists (in any manner) case preparation for
defense in criminal cases;
7. Employment at any event wherein illegal activities are involved;
8. Performing private security work while wearing their Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office uniform, unless otherwise authorized by the Sheriff,
Undersheriff, or their designee;
a. Deputy Sheriffs may, however, perform public security work (i.e.
school dances, county fair, etc.) while wearing their Thurston
County Sheriff’s Office uniform.
b. It shall not involve work upon any commercial premises where
intoxicants are served for public consumption except in a security
capacity.
9. Employment with any other department, bureau, agency or unit of
Thurston County government, in a capacity that is the same or similar
to the employee’s current job classification or category.
F. A memo of intent to accept new or part-time employment will be
submitted through the chain of command by every member. Severance
of all affiliation with the Sheriff’s Office may be required if that
employment will adversely affect the office’s image or operations.
G. Solicitation of off-duty employment shall be conducted in an ethical and
professional manner and shall not be conducted so as to create any
impression or appearance of undue influence either for or against the
potential employer by the soliciting deputy sheriff or the Office.

STANDARD VII
Members shall cooperate with other officials and
organizations who are using legal and ethical means to achieve
the goals and objectives of the law enforcement profession.

ES 7.1

Sharing of Information
Members, within legal and Sheriff’s Office guidelines, shall share with
personnel both within and outside their agency, appropriate information that
will facilitate the achievement of criminal justice goals or objectives.

ES 7.2

Rendering of Needed Assistance
Members, whether requested through appropriate channels or called upon
individually, shall render needed assistance to any other officer in their
proper performance of their duty.

ES 7.3

Communication of Goals
Members shall, within legal and Sheriff’s Office guidelines, endeavor to
communicate to the people of their community the goals and objectives of the
profession, and keep them apprised of conditions which threaten the
maintenance of an ordered society.

ES 7.4

Official Reporting of Complaints
Members shall officially report all complaints, arrests, or other matters
pertaining to the activities of the Sheriff’s Office. This shall be done by using
applicable procedures.

ES 7.5

Observance of Violations
Members who know of or observe violations of laws, ordinances, rules of
conduct, or official orders on the part of other office personnel shall proceed
as follows:
A. The member shall report such incident(s) at once to the immediate
supervisor;
A. If a member believes that information possessed is of such gravity that it
must be brought to the immediate personal attention of the Sheriff, the
member has that right.
C. If on-duty members are confronted with a public incident involving
disorderly conduct of an off-duty member, which cannot be handled in a
routine manner, the case shall be brought before an on-duty supervisor
for disposition.

ES 7.6

Relief From Performance of Duties
The assignment of specific duties and responsibilities shall not relieve any
member from the performance of all other duties as may be required or
ordered by proper law enforcement authorities.

ES 7.7

Malicious Harassment
It shall be the policy of the Office that all personnel will respond to a report of
the crime of Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080) in accordance with its
significance as both a felony and a matter of great community concern. All
personnel are to be sensitive and responsive to the natural anxieties of the
victim(s) of Malicious Harassment. Deputy Sheriffs shall preserve all relevant
evidence and immediately conduct a thorough follow-up investigation
whenever this crime is brought to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office. It shall
be the responsibility of command and supervisory deputies to make certain
that a reported crime of Malicious Harassment is properly documented and a
priority follow-up investigation is expeditiously completed in an attempt to
both identify and charge any persons responsible for the crime.

ES 7.8

Harassment/Discrimination – Racial or Sexual
It is the policy of this office to prohibit racial, ethnic or sexual harassment or
discrimination in any form. For purposes of clarification, harassment shall be
generally defined as derogatory racial, ethnic, or sexual epithets, display of
derogatory visual or written material, repeated requests for sexual contacts,
or other verbal or physical conduct of a nature inappropriate to a work
environment.
All employees, particularly those in management and supervisory positions,
are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful, courteous
and non-discriminatory. Violations of this policy shall be grounds for
disciplinary action up to and including termination.

STANDARD VIII
Members shall not compromise their integrity, nor that of
their agency or profession, by accepting, giving or soliciting any gratuity.

ES 8.1

Gifts, Favors and/or Gratuities
Members shall refuse to offer, give, or receive gifts, favors or gratuities, either
large or small, which can be reasonably interpreted as capable of influencing
official acts or judgments. This standard is not intended to isolate members
from normal social practices, or to preclude gifts among friends, associates,
or relatives, where appropriate.

ES 8.2

Badge of Office
Deputy Sheriffs shall not consider their badge of office as a license designed
to provide them with special favor or consideration.

ES 8.3

Fees or Compensation for Services Rendered
No member shall solicit or receive any fees or any compensation whatever,
directly or indirectly, from the county, city, or state, for any services rendered
or act done while a member of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, other
than salary, except superior court witness fees for off-duty court appearances
not involving compensation, and approved requests for members’ services
that are not part of normal duties.

ES 8.4

Issuance of Credentials
Members shall not individually or as representatives of law enforcement
organizations issue any card, button, or other device to persons other than
members of the office which assumes to grant to the person holding such
credentials any special privilege or consideration concerning the business of
the Sheriff’s Office, except that the Sheriff may issue such credentials at his
discretion.

STANDARD IX
Members shall observe the confidentiality of information
available to them through any source, as it relates
to the law enforcement profession.

ES 9.1

Release/Dissemination of Information
Members shall be aware of and shall observe all legal restrictions on the
release and dissemination of information.

ES 9.2

Confidentiality of Information
Members shall treat as confidential the official business of the Sheriff’s
Office, and shall release or disseminate such information solely in an
authorized manner, or as otherwise may be required by law.
A. Members shall treat all official office business and records as confidential
and shall not discuss or impart information to any person who is not a
member of the Criminal Justice System (Prosecuting Attorney, Court,
etc.); nor shall members or employees remove office records from the
building or from an office without permission of the division commander
concerned or under due process of law except in the normal course of
their duties. Members shall not divulge the identity of persons giving
confidential information except as authorized by proper authority in the
performance of law enforcement duties.
B. Members shall not discuss the evidence or information which they may
give in any criminal court action, nor shall they sign any statement(s)
concerning any criminal case for a person not officially connected with
the office except for official agencies such as the Prosecuting Attorney’s
Office, etc. Members subpoenaed by the defense in a criminal case will
notify their immediate supervisor.
C. Whenever a member resigns or is terminated, his personnel records will
be sealed. In the event of inquiries about the contents of the individual’s
records, the person(s) doing the inquiring will be referred to the Sheriff or
his designee.

ES 9.3

Disclosure of Personal Information
Members shall treat as confidential that information confided to them
personally. They shall disclose such information as required in the proper
performance of their duties.

ES 9.4

Disclosure of Official Information
Members shall neither disclose nor use for their personal interest any
confidential information acquired by them in the course of their official duties.

ES 9.5

Confidential Information – Investigations
Members shall treat as confidential all matters relating to investigations,
internal affairs, and personnel.

ES 9.6

Anonymity of Sworn Personnel
The anonymity of sworn personnel dressed in plain clothes shall be
maintained as follows:
A. Any member in uniform who meets another member (sworn) dressed in
plain clothes shall in no manner indicate recognition unless greeted first;
and
B. Sworn personnel in plain clothes are to properly identify themselves
when officially engaging in public contacts with citizens except where
anonymity is essential to the performance of duty.

ES 9.7

Processing of Property
Property which has been discovered, gathered, or received in connection
with office responsibilities will be processed in accordance with established
official procedures.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

1.1

LAW ENFORCEMENT ROLE AND AUTHORITY

This policy outlines the authority and duties of the Thurston County Sheriff as established by general
laws provided for in the Washington State Constitution – Article XI, Section 5, Amendment 57, and
RCW 36.28, and enhanced by the Mutual Aid Peace Officers Powers Act of 1985.

1.1.1

Oath of Office
The Sheriff and any person who receives a commission will take an oath of
office to enforce the law and uphold the constitutions of the United States
and the State of Washington, and Thurston County Ordinances, and abide by
the Code of Conduct adopted by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, as set
out in related Ethical Standards, as also adopted by the IACP or NSA.

1.1.2

Sheriff’s Commission
All persons hired as law enforcement deputies for the Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office shall be commissioned as Deputy Sheriffs for Thurston
County, prior to being assigned to law enforcement duties.
A Sheriff’s commission may be issued to any employee of Thurston County
who, by virtue of training and/or experience, has proven competence in the
field of law enforcement and whose duties are police-related.

1.1.3

Limited Commissions
Limited commissions may be issued upon approval of the Sheriff to persons
outside the office who have a need for limited enforcement capabilities.
These limited commissions will specifically state the authority of the holder to
enforce the identified ordinances.

1.1.4

Other Police Commissions
Police commissions from other law enforcement agencies may be issued to
Sheriff’s Deputies when necessary or desirable. Upon issuance of other law
enforcement agency commission, the member shall notify the Sheriff or their
designee.

1.1.5

Commission Abuse
Any abuse or unjustified use of any Sheriff’s commission or mutual aid peace
officer powers will result in withdrawal and/or subject the offending deputy to
Office discipline procedures.

1.2

USE OF FORCE
1.2.1

Force Continuum
As with any use of force policy it is understood that deputies may enter the
force continuum at any level, as dictated by the situation. Once in the force
continuum, the deputy may move in either direction up or down the scale, or
skip steps; as dictated by the situation.
Stage 1

Officer Presence

Stage 2

Verbal Commands/Lawful Orders

Stage 3

Physical touching
- Guiding
- Escorting
- Out-muscling

Stage 4

Level 1 Defensive Tactics
- Pain Compliance
- Pressure Points
- Counterjoint Techniques
- Hair Techniques
- Aerosol Restraints
- Electronic Restraining Devices
- Spike Strips

Stage 5

Level 2 Defensive Tactics
- Active Countermeasures

Stage 6

Impact Weapons
- Baton
- Flashlight
- Other
- Kinetic Energy Impact Projectiles
- PIT (under 35 mph)

Stage 7

Stage 8

Level 3 Defensive Tactics
- Pursuit Immobilization Techniques
(over 35 mph)
- TVI and Roadblocks
Deadly Force

1.2.2

Use of Force – When Lawful (See RCW 9A.16.020)
The use, attempt, or offer to use force upon or toward the person of another
is not unlawful in the following cases:
(1) Whenever necessarily used by a public officer in the performance of a
legal duty, or a person assisting the officer and acting under the officer's
direction;
(2) Whenever necessarily used by a person arresting one who has
committed a felony and delivering him or her to a public officer competent to
receive him or her into custody;
(3) Whenever used by a party about to be injured, or by another lawfully
aiding him or her, in preventing or attempting to prevent an offense against
his or her person, or a malicious trespass, or other malicious interference
with real or personal property lawfully in his or her possession, in case the
force is not more than is necessary;
(4) Whenever reasonably used by a person to detain someone who enters
or remains unlawfully in a building or on real property lawfully in the
possession of such person, so long as such detention is reasonable in
duration and manner to investigate the reason for the detained person's
presence on the premises, and so long as the premises in question did not
reasonably appear to be intended to be open to members of the public;
(5) Whenever used by a carrier of passengers or the carrier's authorized
agent or servant, or other person assisting them at their request in expelling
from a carriage, railway car, vessel, or other vehicle, a passenger who
refuses to obey a lawful and reasonable regulation prescribed for the conduct
of passengers, if such vehicle has first been stopped and the force used is
not more than is necessary to expel the offender with reasonable regard to
the offender's personal safety;
(6) Whenever used by any person to prevent a mentally ill, mentally
incompetent, or mentally disabled person from committing an act dangerous
to any person, or in enforcing necessary restraint for the protection or
restoration to health of the person, during such period only as is necessary to
obtain legal authority for the restraint or custody of the person.

1.2.3

Use of Force – Deadly Force (See RCW 9A.16.040)
(1) Homicide or the use of deadly force is justifiable in the following cases:
(a) When a public officer is acting in obedience to the judgment of a
competent court; or
(b) When necessarily used by a peace officer to overcome actual
resistance to the execution of the legal process, mandate, or order of a court
or officer, or in the discharge of a legal duty.
(c) When necessarily used by a peace officer or person acting under the
officer's command and in the officer's aid:
(i) To arrest or apprehend a person who the officer reasonably believes
has committed, has attempted to commit, is committing, or is attempting to
commit a felony;

(ii) To prevent the escape of a person from a federal or state correctional
facility or in retaking a person who escapes from such a facility; or
(iii) To prevent the escape of a person from a county or city jail or holding
facility if the person has been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a
felony; or
(iv) To lawfully suppress a riot if the actor or another participant is armed
with a deadly weapon.
(2) In considering whether to use deadly force under subsection (1)(c) of
this section, to arrest or apprehend any person for the commission of any
crime, the peace officer must have probable cause to believe that the
suspect, if not apprehended, poses a threat of serious physical harm to the
officer or a threat of serious physical harm to others. Among the
circumstances which may be considered by peace officers as a "threat of
serious physical harm" are the following:
(a) The suspect threatens a peace officer with a weapon or displays a
weapon in a manner that could reasonably be construed as threatening; or
(b) There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has committed any
crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm.
Under these circumstances deadly force may also be used if necessary to
prevent escape from the officer, where, if feasible, some warning is given.
(3) A public officer or peace officer shall not be held criminally liable for
using deadly force without malice and with a good faith belief that such act is
justifiable pursuant to this section.
(4) This section shall not be construed as:
(a) Affecting the permissible use of force by a person acting under the
authority of RCW 9A.16.020 or 9A.16.050; or
(b) Preventing a law enforcement agency from adopting standards
pertaining to its use of deadly force that are more restrictive than this section.

Commissioned members shall employ that amount of force which is
reasonable and lawful to affect an arrest or assume control of a situation.
What may be reasonable force under one set of circumstances may be
unreasonable force under a different, though similar, set of circumstances.
The necessity of controlling the use of service weapons is a responsibility of
each individual member and is expected by the public being served.
Commissioned members should not discharge a firearm other than for
practice or training at the target range or similar authorized locations, except
when in performance of duties after other reasonable means have failed.
Under no circumstances will members fire any warning shot for any purpose.
(RCW 9A.16.040)
NOTE: The United States Supreme Court has held that deadly force
may not be used to prevent the escape of an apparently unarmed suspected
felon unless it is necessary to prevent the escape of such felon and the
deputy has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant

threat of death or serious physical injury to the deputy or others. Tennessee
vs. Gardner, 1985.
The decision to apply deadly force in a situation should not be based solely
on the fact that Office regulations and state law allow its use. Good judgment
must always dictate reasonable action.

1.2.4

Deadly Force to Destroy Animals
Deadly force may be used to destroy a dangerous animal or an animal so
badly injured that humanity requires its removal from further suffering, when
authorized by the duty supervisor.
A. The animal may be destroyed under the following instances:
a) For self-defense
b) To prevent substantial harm to the members or others.
c) When the animal is so badly injured that humanity requires its relief
from further suffering.
B. Members should adhere to the following whenever practical:
a) Remove the animal to a place of relative safety and out of public
view, if possible.
b) The appropriate agency should be notified to remove the carcass.
c) When dealing with domestic pets or livestock, a Veterinarian should
be used prior to the deputy having to terminate the animal.
A written report of the use of firearms under these circumstances will not be
necessary.

1.2.5

Justification Limited to Facts Known to Member
Justification for the use of deadly force must be limited to what reasonably
appears to be the facts known or perceived by a member at the time they
decide to act. Facts unknown to a member, no matter how compelling,
cannot be considered at a later date to justify the act.

1.2.6

Members Acknowledgement of Policy
All commissioned personnel must receive and demonstrate an understanding
of this chapter prior to being authorized to carry any firearm.

1.2.7

Members Surrendering Weapon
A deputy or partner may be at the mercy of an armed suspect who has the
advantage, but experience has shown that the danger to a deputy is not
reduced by giving up their gun upon demand. Surrendering of a weapon
might mean giving away the only chance for survival; therefore, a deputy
should use every tactical tool available to avoid surrendering their weapon.

1.3

PURSUIT RESOLUTION TACTICS

Pursuit Resolution Tactics is the name for a range of techniques intended to intervene in a suspect’s
attempt to flee or avoid apprehension while operating a vehicle. As with other use-of-force options,
pursuit resolution tactics are intended to be dynamic in nature. That is, depending on the situation, a

deputy may be called upon to start at the high range of options, or a deputy may move progressively
up the range of options.
As with other use-of-force options the purpose is to intervene at a certain level with the intent of deescalating the situation, with the ultimate goal of resolving the situation in the interest of public
safety. The decision to use a pursuit resolution tactic must be based on the facts and circumstances
known to the deputy at the time of the choice of technique.
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office that decisions for the use of pursuit resolution
tactics shall reflect concern for general public safety first and concern for the offender second.
Pursuit resolution tactics include:
1.

Spike Strips / Stop Sticks – Deployment of devices used for puncturing (and
ultimately deflating) a suspect’s tire. Use of these devices will be consistent with
current TCSO training and procedure.

2.

Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) – The intentional contact of a suspect
vehicle in an effort to stop the suspect’s flight or illegal activity. Use of PIT shall be
consistent with current Sheriff’s Office training and procedure. Members shall have
successfully completed the PIT training program before utilizing this technique in the
field.
a. PIT (35 mph and below) – The deputy may employ this tactic if he/she believes
that they can safely end the pursuit. No permission is required however if the
opportunity presents itself it is suggested that the deputy obtain permission.
b. PIT (over 35 mph) – The deputy may employ this tactic only upon receiving
permission from the on-duty supervisor. The threat to public safety must
outweigh the safety of the suspect.

3.

Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) – The tactical vehicle intervention technique
uses the patrol vehicle to stop the fleeing vehicle by intentional striking with a
Sheriff’s Office vehicle. A deputy utilizing a tactical vehicle intervention technique
shall, if at all possible, obtain supervisory approval prior to the use of the technique.
If, due to exigent circumstances, a deputy needs to act immediately, the tactic can be
used without supervisory approval. A deputy utilizing TVI shall complete
documentation of such use prior to going off shift.

4.

Roadblocks – Roadblocks are best described as utilizing a patrol vehicle(s) to
produce a stationary or moving barrier to stop or channel a suspect vehicle to affect
a stop or in the interest of public safety. If at all possible, only marked Sheriff’s Office
vehicles will be utilized for either stationary or moving roadblocks. Use of roadblocks
will be consistent with current TCSO training and procedure. Roadblocks require
supervisory approval prior to implementation.
A.

Guidelines for Supervisory Approval on Use of Sheriff’s Office
Vehicles in Stationary Roadblocks
Sheriff’s Office vehicles may be used to establish a stationary roadblock for
felony apprehensions, with supervisory approval, if the following conditions
exist:
1. That all other reasonable means of stopping the suspect vehicle have
been exhausted, or that allowing the driver of the suspect vehicle to
continue could cause a risk to the safety of others, or that the nature of
the crime that the driver or an occupant has committed is serious enough
to warrant using a roadblock;
2. That the Sheriff’s Office vehicle used in the roadblock is a clearly marked
patrol vehicle, and the emergency lights are activated while the vehicle is
blocking the roadway, and that the patrol vehicle is left unoccupied;

3. That the roadblock is established at a location that provides an
approaching vehicle ample visibility of the roadblock.

B.

Guidelines for Supervisory Approval on Use of Sheriff’s Office
Vehicles in Rolling Roadblocks
Sheriff’s Office vehicles may be used to affect a rolling roadblock for felony
apprehension, with supervisory approval, if the following conditions exist:
1. That all other reasonable means of stopping the suspect vehicle have
been exhausted, or that allowing the driver of the suspect vehicle to
continue could cause a risk to the safety of others, or that the nature of
the crime the driver or occupant has committed is serious enough to
warrant such action;
2. That the Sheriff’s Office vehicle used in the rolling roadblock is a clearly
marked patrol vehicle or that there is a marked patrol vehicle involved in
the incident which has its emergency lights activated during the incident.

1.3.1

Command Notification of Pursuit, PIT, TVI or Roadblock
The initiating deputy of a pursuit, roadblock, or intentional striking with a
Sheriff’s Office vehicle, and the supervisor approving such action, shall each
file a report by the end of the shift in which the incident occurred. The reports
shall contain all the relevant information that will explain what actions were
taken and the reasons for the action. The reports will be forwarded through
the chain of command to the Sheriff or his/her designee for review.

1.4

LESS LETHAL WEAPONS

On and off-duty, non-lethal weapon use and possession are subject to policy and training by the
Sheriff’s Office. Commissioned members will only employ that amount of force which is reasonable
and necessary to effect or assume control of a situation. All office personnel will follow and obey all
laws of the State of Washington regarding the use of lethal and non-lethal weapons, both on and off
duty. All commissioned members, whether on duty or off duty, will adhere to office rules and
regulations concerning the use of force.

1.4.1

Only Approved Impact Weapons Will Be Carried
Impact weapons carried by commissioned members include straight batons,
side-handled batons, collapsible ASP batons, flashlights and kinetic energy
impact projectiles. As with any use-of-force policy, it is understood that the
deputy may enter the force continuum at any stage; as dictated by the
situation. Once in the continuum, the deputy may move in either direction up
or down the scale. Where the impact weapon could be used, may include,
but is not limited, to when:
A. Confronted with multiple adversaries.
B. The opponent is physically larger or stronger than the deputy.
C. The deputy has tried a lower level technique without success and the
suspect is still violent.
D. The opponent exhibits an apparent knowledge of martial arts.
E. Confronted with a weapon.

1.4.2

Use of Restraints or Handcuffs
It is required that all persons taken into custody be handcuffed with their
hands behind their backs. In special circumstances such as a medical
condition, investigative transports, etc., handcuffing is neither practical nor
prudent. In these cases, the deputy must be able to articulate justifiable
reasons for not handcuffing. The deputy will be responsible for choosing not
to handcuff, given considerations of officer safety, public safety, and safety of
the prisoner. Deputies shall not handcuff a prisoner to another deputy or an
affixed object unless justified by circumstances. Handcuffing shall be done
consistent with Thurston County Sheriff’s Office training.

1.4.3

Use of Leg Restraints
If a prisoner is violent and could injure themselves or others, or do damage to
county property, the prisoner may have their legs restrained by use of
“hobble” or similar device. A prisoner who has had this restraint applied
should not be placed on their stomach when placed in a patrol vehicle. They
should be placed on their side and seat belted if at all possible, and carefully
monitored en route to incarceration as closely as possible. Medical attention
should be provided whenever the transport and arrest results in suspected
medical distress. The deputy will keep a dialogue going while in transport.

1.4.4

Use of O/C Agent Aerosol Projectors
Aerosol projectors can be carried by trained personnel. These projectors will
be of an approved type containing Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) aerosol agent.
It should be used in situations consistent with Level I defensive tactics or
above and the use of force policy. Punitive use against anyone is prohibited.
First aid should be rendered as soon as practical to persons subdued with
this agent.
A. Certified Training
Commissioned members will undergo training in the use of aerosol
chemical agents, prior to carrying them, by certified office instructors.
This will include all commissioned personnel of Reserves, Operations,
Corrections, and Services.
Commissioned members will carry and use only those aerosols issued or
approved by the office. Information regarding aerosol agent use shall be
included in incident reports.
All training will be carefully documented in writing by the instructor. The
instructor shall furnish a list of employees who have been trained to the
training deputy for records retention, and notification to the chain of
command
B. First Aid Considerations
Additional medical attention, if needed, may be rendered by medical
professionals. The shift supervisor will make the decision if additional
attention is warranted, using the element of caution.

1.4.5

Tactical Use of Chemical Agents
C.S. (Ortho-chlorobenzalmalonitrate). O.C, or H.C. (smoke) will be the only
chemical agents authorized in tactical situations. These agents will only be

used by trained personnel in such situations as riot, barricaded subject,
hostage, or other situations deemed necessary. The delivery system used to
dispense the chosen agent will be determined by the situation commander
based on the circumstances present.

1.4.6

Use of Force – K-9
The proper use of K-9 resources as a means of force shall be within the
same parameters guiding the use of any other weapon or tool by Sheriff’s
personnel. As in all cases concerning the application of force, good
judgment must be the prevailing measure.

1.4.7

Kinetic Energy Impact Projectiles
Kinetic Energy Impact Projectiles will be used only by trained personnel in
cases where combative or non-compliant subjects, whether armed or violent,
cannot safely be approached in order to resolve the situation when other less
lethal techniques or weapons cannot be employed. Only Sheriff’s Office
issued and approved munitions will be used.

1.4.8

Practical Defensive Tactics Training
Commissioned members shall participate in practical tactical training on an
annual basis. Practical Defensive Tactics training will be taught by office
instructors. Courses will be completed between 1 January and 31 December
of the current year.

1.4.9

Defensive Tactics Instructors
Office instructors shall maintain proficient skill level in tactical training. This
shall include updating of training and knowledge of current techniques as
accepted within the law enforcement community and as approved by the
Thurston County Sheriff's Office.

1.4.10

Personnel Required to Participate
All First Level Supervisors and subordinate deputies office-wide shall
participate in defensive tactics training as scheduled by the Training
Coordinator and approved by the Sheriff or designee.
Areas of instruction can cover, but will not be limited to, the following areas –
Level One DT; Level Two DT, baton, flashlight, grappling, OC, handcuffing,
riot baton, cell entry, theories in the use of force and its applications, fist suit,
role plays in defensive tactics and other areas of instruction based on training
needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

1.4.11

Side-Handle Baton
Satellite training can be obtained through surrounding agencies. Certificate
of completion is to be provided to Sheriff’s Office tactical instructor. This
training would be in lieu of straight baton training.

1.4.12

Reporting Use of Force
All uses of force will be documented, as directed, in the Field Report or
Records Management System.

1.4.13

Use of Electronic Restraining Devices
Electronic restraining devices will only be used by trained personnel. The
only electronic restraining devices authorized will be an approved Officeissued unit. No others are authorized. The electronic restraining device may
be used to control dangerous or violent subjects, consistent with Stage 4 –
Level 1 Defensive Tactics or above on the Force Continuum. Punitive use of
this device against anyone is prohibited. Any such unauthorized use may
result in immediate disciplinary sanctions – up to and including termination.

1.4.14

Use of the Jaycor Pepperball Delivery System
The Jaycor Pepperball Delivery System will only be used by personnel
trained by Office instructors. The only delivery system approved for use will
be Office issued unit. The Jaycor Delivery System is an additional tool to
assist deputies in effecting a lawful arrest and is not intended to replace
firearms or self-defense techniques. This system is capable of being used as
an OC delivery system and a pain compliance tool. The Pepperball system
may be used to control dangerous or violent subjects consistent with Stage 4
– Level 1 Defensive Tactics or above on the Force Continuum. Punitive use
of this device, against anyone, is prohibited. Any such unauthorized use may
result in immediate disciplinary sanctions: up to and including termination.

1.5

FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Sheriff’s Office commissioned employees and reserves will carry, on duty, only authorized
weapons and ammunition, meeting authorized specifications.

1.5.1

Firearms
All weapons, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, shall be used only
when necessary in the performance of duty or in training. Discharge or use
of any weapon other than in training or dispatching of a wounded animal,
requires a written report, as directed, on the circumstances describing the
use and cause for use. All on-duty deputies shall be armed with a Sheriff’sOffice-approved firearm.
The only authorized handguns while in uniform will be: 9 mm, .38, .40, or .45
ACP caliber semi-automatic pistols, with a minimum barrel length of 3 ½”,
capable of using Office-issued or approved ammunition. The handles or
grips shall be wood, plastic or rubber, being natural wood or black in color.
No ornamental grips are authorized. All safety devices will be kept intact and
operable on the weapon. Supervisory or office personnel assigned to either
plain clothes or uniform duty may be armed with a weapon with a barrel
length of no less than 2”.
Weapons proposed for duty use must be of high quality manufacture, based
on current industry standards for safety and dependability as typified by, but
not be limited to, the following example manufacturers: Smith and Wesson,
Colt, Glock, H & K, Sig Sauer, Beretta, Steyr, and Taurus.
The only authorized long arms to be carried or used on duty shall be Sheriff’s
Office issued and/or authorized rifles and shotguns. No personally owned
long arms will be carried without prior written permission of the Sheriff or
Undersheriff, or their designee.

Prior to carrying any weapon on duty or making any change in a weapon
carried on duty, all personnel must qualify with the proposed weapon in the
presence of a Sheriff’s Office Firearms Instructor, in the preceding 12-24
months and exhibit to said Firearms Instructor sufficient knowledge of the
safe handling, operation, and use of the weapon.
Weapons proposed for use outside of the described calibers or example
manufacturers must first receive the written authorization of the Sheriff or
Undersheriff.
Back-up weapons are authorized at the expense of the deputy. The only
calibers authorized are: .380, .38, 9mm, .40, and .45ACP.

1.5.2

Other Weapons
Sheriff’s Office owned weapons may be issued as inventory allows and duty
assignments require.

1.5.3

Ammunition
1. The only ammunition authorized for use on duty by all members is
Sheriff’s Office issued, authorized factory ammunition of the calibers
stated in 1.5.1. Sheriff’s Office issued ammunition will not be altered in
any way. Reloads and wad-cutter ammunition are restricted to target
practice or training only. Deputies carrying a 9 mm, .40, .45 caliber
weapon will be issued practice, and duty ammunition. Deputies choosing
to carry any other approved caliber must furnish their own practice and
duty ammunition. That duty ammunition must be approved in advance by
the Sheriff or Undersheriff. The only duty ammunition that is authorized
to be carried is that which is issued within the preceding 12-24 months.
2. While Deputies are on duty, all firearms will be loaded only with unaltered Sheriff’s Office issued and/or approved ammunition.
3. All Deputies, whether working in uniform or plain clothes, shall carry a full
cylinder or magazine of cartridges in their service weapon. Uniformed
Deputies will carry a minimum of two additional full reloads of approved
ammunition on their duty belt. Plain clothes deputies, while on duty, will
carry sufficient ammunition on their person to permit one full reload of
their duty firearm. Deputies assigned to undercover or specialized details
may be exempted from this requirement by supervisory approval.
4. Deputies shall not display, load, or unload their firearms at any place, in
any building accessible to the general public except:
A. When necessary in the line of duty;
B. When ordered by a superior officer for inspection purposes;
C. At the firing range, and then only when shooting under supervision;
and
D. When necessary for cleaning, and then only in an approved and
designated area.

1.5.4

Carrying Weapon Off Duty
Deputies are authorized to carry a weapon off duty. The Sheriff’s Office will
not furnish an off-duty weapon. Deputies may carry a firearm if they will be
traveling about in public places, however if the weapon is issued by the office

or carried under the authority of the Sheriff’s Office Commission, they will not
consume intoxicating beverages.
A deputy who elects not to carry a weapon while off duty shall not be
subjected to disciplinary action should an occasion arise in which the
Deputy could take law enforcement action, if armed.

1.6

FIREARMS PROFICIENCY

All personnel authorized to carry firearms shall participate in an on-going firearms training program
as designated by the Sheriff or Undersheriff.

1.6.1

Firearms Training/Range Qualifications
The firearms training program may include, but not be limited to video,
classroom, and field presentations, along with hands-on training at the range.
Each Sheriff’s Office member authorized to carry a rifle or shotgun is required
to qualify with the weapon at least one time per year.

1.6.2

Inspection
The firearms instructor shall inspect and record each weapon used by
employees at the time of qualification. Such registrations, and records of
qualification results, will be maintained by the office. All weapons used by
employees in their official capacity, on or off duty, will be registered with the
firearms instructor.

1.6.3

Qualifying
Sheriff’s Office members authorized to carry a firearm are required to qualify
with a duty weapon, at least annually. Dates/times and methods of training
will be the prerogative of the Sheriff or his/her designee.
Deputies choosing to carry an approved back-up weapon in addition to their
regular duty weapon are required to qualify with the weapon annually.
No member may carry or use a weapon on duty without first receiving
approval from their supervisor and after properly qualifying with that weapon.
Any deputy failing to qualify will be scheduled for firearms improvement as
soon as possible, and their supervisor notified. Once the deputy has
completed the refresher training and has met the minimum qualifications
score, the deputy will be considered as being qualified, for the purposes of
the qualification shoot.

1.6.4

Ramifications
If the deputy is still unable to meet minimum standards after completion of
the refresher training, the Sheriff or Undersheriff shall make a determination
as to completing further training for the deputy and removing the deputy from
duty. In this event, the deputy shall not be allowed to continue carrying a
firearm until meeting the minimum standards for qualification.

If a deputy is unable to fulfill the range requirement due to special
circumstances, that deputy will submit a written memorandum through the
chain of command explaining the circumstances.
Employees who fail to achieve certification after attending remedial firearms
training will be submitted to appropriate disciplinary action for failure to
comply with Office policy.

1.6.5

Modifications to Firearms
Modifications to personally-owned firearms used on duty shall not defeat any
of the manufacturers’ safety features. Modifications shall not affect the safety
or reliability of the firearm operation.

1.6.6

Repairs to Office Owned/Issued Firearms
All necessary repairs to Office owned/issued firearms will be completed by
the office armorer or a qualified gunsmith with prior approval by the office
armorer.

1.6.7

Repairs to Personally Owned Firearms
All necessary repairs to personally-owned firearms may be performed by the
office armorer or a qualified gunsmith. Replacement parts for personallyowned firearms will be the responsibility of the individual deputy.

1.6.8

Shotguns and/or Rifles
Shotguns and/or rifles provided in patrol vehicles will be secured in a locked
manner.

1.6.9

Maintenance of Weapons
Each deputy is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of their
weapon(s) and will, at all times, maintain the weapon(s) in a clean and
serviceable condition, whether Office owned or personally owned.

1.6.10

Loss or Theft of Firearm
Employees shall immediately report the loss or theft of any Office or
personally-owned firearm to the Sheriff through the chain of command. The
report will be in writing and will detail all the facts concerning the incident.

1.7

FIREARMS DISCHARGE INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS

A documentation, review and disposition process will occur following any firearm discharge, any
death or injury of a person, or use of deadly force by any member of the Sheriff’s Office.

1.7.1

Unauthorized Use of Firearm
Firing into the ground or air in an attempt to halt a fleeing criminal is
dangerous to innocent persons and is a great personal and official risk to the
member and is prohibited. Members shall not fire upon a person who has
been ordered to halt because of mere suspicion and who, without making
any resistance, simply runs away to avoid arrest. Members shall not fire

upon moving or fleeing vehicles unless necessary in the defense of the
member’s life or another person’s life.
Whenever a member discharges a firearm they shall be forever responsible
for this action. Generally speaking, crimes against property would not
authorize the use of deadly force, unless the suspect demonstrates a serious
threat to the public or deputies involved.
No member shall ever intentionally jeopardize the life or physical safety of
innocent citizens when firing their weapons.

1.7.2

Discharge of Firearms – Injury or Death Involved
The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that trauma can occur when deputies are
involved in incidents wherein they either use or become victims of the use of
deadly weapons (specifically firearms). It will be the policy of Thurston
County Sheriff's Office to assist deputies in recognizing and dealing with
trauma to minimize its negative effects. The following will give guidance to
supervisors and administrators on uniform actions to facilitate handling
officer-involved shooting situations which result in a person being seriously
injured or killed, or in which the deputy faced imminent injury or death:
1. Determine the physical condition of the person and render first aid as
necessary.
2. Request necessary emergency and medical aid.
3. Report the incident to the On-Duty Supervisor. If the On-Duty Supervisor
is the involved deputy, then the Supervisor will order notification of the
next superior deputy available through the chain of command. Until such
superior deputy arrives at the scene, the On-Duty Supervisor shall
relinquish command of the scene and the shift to the lead deputy or if
unavailable, the most senior deputy on duty. If possible, use the
telephone.
Initial Responses:
The Supervisor who assumes command of the shooting scene shall
immediately, or as soon as practicable, relieve the involved deputy(s) of
all scene-related duties.
The Supervisor is responsible for securing the weapon of the deputy(s)
as evidence, when applicable, prior to the deputy(s) leaving the scene. If
the weapon is taken and circumstances allow it, a replacement weapon
will be provided, as more fully explained in #1.8 post-shooting. One
deputy will be assigned by the supervisor to remain with the involved
deputy. Whenever practical, the assigned deputy should not be part of
the original incident.
This designated deputy may serve many functions. Among these are:
A. To shield the involved deputy(s) from all deputies and administrators,
general public, and media, other than those who have investigative
and other post-shooting incident responsibilities.
B. To remove the involved deputy(s) from the scene as soon as
practicable.

C. Assist in any other needs of the deputy(s) such as transportation,
notification of spouse or family, etc.
D. Assist involved deputy(s) in making reports by either taping, dictating
or handwriting, to facilitate prompt and accurate reporting.
4. When relieved at the scene, return to the office and submit a written
report of the incident to the duty watch commander, who will be
responsible for conducting an investigation of the incident and preparing
his own investigative report prior to going off shift.
5. The watch commander will be responsible for notifying the next superior
deputy available in the chain of command as soon as possible.
6. The involved deputy(s) shall be released from normal duties as soon as
practicable. The deputy(s) may be placed on paid administrative leave,
or assigned to administrative duties. The leave or assignment may
include time utilized for a, Coroner’s Inquest, Psychological Evaluation,
etc. The deputy(s) shall be returned to regular duty when authorized by
the Sheriff or designee.

1.7.3

Discharge of Firearms – No Injury
The involved member shall notify the on-duty supervisor, as directed and
submit a written report of the incident as soon as possible and prior to going
off shift. The duty watch commander shall notify his/her immediate
supervisor and shall personally investigate the report of the firearm discharge
and prepare a detailed written report of the incident prior to going off shift.
For the purposes of this section, discharge shall mean any attempt to fire a
firearm, whether it actually fires or not. This section does not apply to the
dispatching of wounded animals.

1.7.4

Firearms Discharge (Internal Review)
As soon as practical after a use or attempted use of deadly force incident, the
Sheriff shall direct that an internal investigation of the incident be conducted.
The internal investigation shall determine if the use of deadly force was
justifiable and will report such findings through the chain of command for
review and recommendations to the Sheriff.

1.8

POST SHOOTING

Management has decided that situations involving use of force resulting in a death or serious injury
will require removal from line duty assignment, pending administrative review of the facts.

1.8.1

Post-Incident Leave and Debriefing
1. A member involved in a death or serious injury incident may be placed on
administrative leave with pay for the duration of the member’s shift and
the following two shifts, for a minimum of 72 consecutive hours.
Administrative leave is in the interest of the member and the office.
2. The member involved in the death or serious injury incident will be
afforded the opportunity to name a fellow member to assist with the
transportation needs, companionship, and moral support. If a fellow

member is named, that member will also be placed on concurrent 72hour administrative leave.
3. The involved member shall meet for debriefing and counseling with an
office “approved” psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in assisting law
enforcement personnel and their families to recognize and cope with the
natural responses to a death or serious injury incident. All conversations
between the member and the debriefing psychologist or psychiatrist are
considered confidential and subject to the doctor-patient privilege.

1.8.2

Return to Duty
In determining the appropriate administrative action to take in terminating the
member’s administrative leave and returning the member to regular duty, the
Sheriff may seek and consider the professional opinion of any psychological
counselor and/or treating physician as to:
1. Whether the member should be expected to report to full duty in their
regular assignment or whether the member needs additional recuperative
time and, if so, how much additional time is recommended; and
2. Whether any modification of the member’s regularly assigned duties
should be considered by the Office in order to facilitate the member’s
speedy return to full productivity and, if so, the nature and duration of the
recommended modifications.

1.8.3

Office Resources Available to Involved Deputy
If the death or serious injury incident involved the discharge of the member’s
service pistol and it must therefore be taken for examination, the on-duty
supervisor will, with the watch commander’s approval, replace the same with
his own weapon.
The watch commander may withhold such approval if, based upon all the
available information concerning the incident and the member’s response
thereto, the watch commander believes the re-issuance of a service pistol to
the involved deputy may not be in the interest of safety.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

2.1

AGENCY JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of Thurston County Sheriff’s Office personnel is that area, along with the properties
and persons contained therein, within the boundaries of the County of Thurston. All commissioned
personnel are authorized to enforce the laws of the State of Washington and county ordinances
within the boundaries of Thurston County, including all unincorporated communities in Thurston
County. Thurston County Deputies are authorized to enforce state laws in concurrent jurisdictions
as defined within any mutual aid or concurrent jurisdiction agreements between said other city or
county and the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
A.

Exceptions
1. Personnel may also enforce laws of the State of Washington in any incorporated city
within Thurston County.
2. This office has concurrent jurisdiction over persons and incidents requiring police action
on that portion of the Nisqually Indian Reservation located within Thurston County.
3. This office has concurrent jurisdiction over persons and incidents requiring law
enforcement action on that portion of the Fort Lewis Military Reservation located within
Thurston County.
4. This office does not have jurisdiction over tribal members and tribal incidents requiring
police action on that portion of the Chehalis Indian Reservation located within Thurston
County. This reservation is now exclusively under federal and tribal jurisdiction, with the
exception of crimes committed on the reservation by non-Indian suspects. In those
excepted cases, the state has concurrent jurisdiction with the federal government.

2.1.1

Enforcement Authority Within Cities and Towns
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office that the incorporated
cities and towns within the county be allowed to handle their own criminal
investigations, either misdemeanor or felony, through their local police
agencies, except under the following conditions:
1. At the specific request of the mayor or chief of police of a city or town;
2. The Sheriff determines at his discretion to enter into and/or assume a
criminal investigation within the incorporated limits of a city or town within
Thurston County.
3. Whenever the Sheriff determines that city officials are acting improperly
or unlawfully in the discharge of their duties.

2.1.2

Mutual Aid
On-duty deputies, with the permission of the on-duty supervisor, may
exercise their authority when on duty anywhere outside of Thurston County
and in the State of Washington, consistent with and within the provisions of
the Washington Peace Officer Powers Act, RCW 10.93, or within the

guidelines of any written mutual aid agreement with the agency having
primary jurisdiction and when the following conditions exist:
1. Where the written consent of the Sheriff, Chief of Police in whose primary
jurisdiction the exercise of authority occurs;
2. In response to an emergency involving the immediate threat to human life
and property;
3. In response to a request for assistance pursuant to a mutual law
enforcement assistance agreement with the agency of primary territorial
jurisdiction or in response to the request of a peace officer with
enforcement authority;
4. When the deputy is transporting a prisoner;
5. When the deputy is executing an arrest or search warrant;
6. When the deputy is in fresh pursuit. Any peace officer who has statutory
authority under Washington law to make an arrest may proceed in fresh
pursuit of a person:
a. Who is reasonably believed to have committed a violation of traffic or
criminal law, or
b. For whom such deputy holds a warrant of arrest.
The deputy in fresh pursuit shall have the authority to arrest and to hold
such person in custody anywhere in the state. The term “fresh pursuit”
includes, without limitations, fresh pursuit as defined by the common law.
Fresh pursuit does not imply immediate pursuit, but pursuit without
unreasonable delay.

2.1.3

Mutual Aid Agreements
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office participates with the WASPC Central
Region Response Plan, the Homeland Security Region 3 Mutual Aid
Agreement, a signed Regional Cooperative Agreement between Grays
Harbor, Lewis, Thurston and Pacific Counties, and any other mutual aid
agreement that may develop in signed form.

2.1.4

Exercising of Authority
A Deputy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office may exercise their authority
when off duty anywhere outside of the County of Thurston and in the State of
Washington when the following circumstances exist:
1. In response to an emergency involving the immediate threat to human
life, or serious threat to property, or
2. In response to the request of a peace officer with enforcement authority.

2.1.5

Off-Duty Authority
Deputies of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office may not use the authority for
any off-duty employment outside of the County of Thurston.

2.1.6

Report of Action
Deputies are required to submit a report in writing through the chain of
command to their bureau’s Chief Deputy any time they exercise any authority
under the Act outside of the County of Thurston.

2.2

PARTICIPATION IN CHRI SYSTEM

The agency maintains full participation within the State fingerprint/criminal history records system.
Further, this agency has established the following comprehensive guideline for the privacy, security,
and dissemination of criminal history record information maintained by the Thurston County Sheriff's
Office.

2.2.1

Security of Information
It is the policy of this Office to keep all information contained in the Office’s
criminal history record files confidential and secure, except in instances
where the law allows dissemination, which serves a legitimate law
enforcement or other public interest function.
Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) consists of any information
containing individual identification of a person, together with a record of that
individual’s involvement as an alleged or convicted offender. Criminal Justice
agencies are eligible to receive CHRI. Requests for CHRI will be referred to
records personnel for processing.
All criminal history records shall be given to and kept by the Records Section
in accordance with WAC 365-50-010 through 365-50-560.

2.2.2

Falsification, Destruction of Records
Employees will not falsify, destroy, alter, or remove any report or record of
this Office. Anyone having knowledge of such behavior is required to report
it to his or her supervisor.

2.2.3

Confidentiality of Office Information
Employees will regard all information concerning the official business
operations and policies of the Office as confidential and will not release such
information unless its release is specifically permitted. Requests for
information by other law enforcement agencies will be referred to records
personnel.

2.2.4

Release of Office Information
Employees will not communicate, relay, or release any official Office
information to any person which would in any way hamper or compromise the
Office’s operations or investigations.

2.3

NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in the Thurston Narcotics Task Force is
governed by the Inter-local Drug Unit Agreement.

2.4

PEACE OFFICERS POWERS ACT OF 1985

Subsequent to the 1985 Mutual Aid Peace Officers Powers Act, Deputies and Officers from the
following jurisdictions are authorized full exercise of police powers within Thurston County:
1.

All county Sheriff’s Offices within Washington State; and

2.

The Olympia Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Tumwater Police Department,
Yelm Police Department, and Tenino Police Department.

All county Sheriff’s Offices within the State of Washington have entered into a mutual aid agreement
to allow members of this office to exercise their police powers within their respective jurisdictions.
Upon notification of the intent of any of these agencies to exercise their powers within our
jurisdiction, any and all assistance necessary shall be afforded them.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

3.1

COACHING, COUNSELING, RECOGNITION AND THE
DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM

As the Sheriff’s Office is a part of Thurston County government, it must be accountable for the
official acts of all its members. To ensure and exercise the accountability, it is necessary to have a
system of review, examining selected official acts. This review may be initiated by anyone. Its end
product must be, at a minimum, assurance that any policies, procedures, or individual actions meet
the test of fairness, equity and justice, or, being found to fall short of these tests, will be subject to
prompt corrective action. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office must assure that the members are
recognized for their performance and, when appropriate, recognized, coached or counseled.
A relationship of trust and confidence between members of the Sheriff’s Office and the community
they serve is essential to effective law enforcement. Office officials must be free to exercise their
best judgment and to initiate law enforcement action in a reasonable, lawful and impartial manner
without fear of reprisal. In addition, enforcers of the law have a primary obligation to respect the
rights of all people.
Meeting the responsibility to itself and the community, the office and collective bargaining
agreements establish a system of complaint and disciplinary procedures by and through this policy.
The system will not only subject a member to corrective action when improper conduct is evident, it
will protect the individual member when they discharge their duty properly.
It is the purpose of these procedures to provide a prompt, just, open and expeditious disposition of
complaints, from whatever source, regarding the conduct of the members and employees of the
Sheriff’s Office. To this end the office welcomes constructive, and valid criticism of office
procedures, and complaints against its members from concerned citizens of the community and from
its own members.
It shall be the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to recognize exemplary performance on the part of the
members.
It shall be the policy of the office to make use of coaching in an effort towards recognizing
performance that is most generally acceptable.
It shall be the policy of the office to make use of counseling techniques with a member when
performance or action(s) are such that it is generally unsuccessful and needs improvement.
Counseling should be considered as an option in lieu of or in conjunction with properly administered
discipline. Counseling may be referred by a supervisor, command deputy or the Sheriff based on a
member’s past performance. Areas of concern for counseling could include such subjects as anger
management, alcohol problems, domestic problems, employee relations, burnout, etc. Members
have the option of using the Employee Assistance Program or being referred to an office
psychologist.

3.1.1

Duty to Reply/Cooperate in Disciplinary Matters
When ordered, a member will answer fully all questions asked by a
supervisor or command deputy regarding performance of official duties and
will cooperate with any internal investigation and/or disciplinary process or
review board hearing. No member shall obstruct, hinder, or impede internal
investigations, or knowingly conceal or misrepresent material facts relating to

the subject matter of an inquiry. Provided that at the same time no member
shall be deprived of any rights or freedoms afforded to any ordinary citizen by
the U.S. Constitution or by the laws of the State of Washington. (Statements
made in the office internal investigation, which are involuntary, will not be
admissible in a criminal prosecution.)

3.1.2

Administrative Leave
By order of the Sheriff or designee, a member may be relieved of duty and
suspended with pay during the course of an internal investigation involving
allegations of
y Criminal violation and/or arrest, or
y Serious violations of Sheriff’s Office policies/procedures/practices,
and/or
y Documented and repeated violations of Sheriff’s Office policies,
procedures, or practices that creates risk to the public.
When a member is placed on administrative leave, they may be ordered to
surrender all Office-issued items. These items include but are not limited to,
weapons, commission/ID cards, keys and badge(s). While on administrative
leave, the member shall not have unfettered access to any areas under the
control of the Sheriff’s Office unless escorted at all times by a member in
good standing and only for official business with prior approval and
coordination with a Captain or above.
During the time spent on Administrative Leave, the member’s regular work
hours will be assigned as Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Any deputy involved in an officer-involved shooting incident shall be placed
on Administrative Leave for 72 hours or until such time as they are
determined fit to return to duty.
Deputies involved in other situations where traumatic injury and/or death
occurs to an involved party may be placed on Administrative Leave for 72
hours and/or such time as they are determined fit to return to duty. Members
placed on Administrative Leave for this reason shall not automatically be
subject to forfeiture of Office-issued items, or restricted from accessing the
Sheriff’s Office.
A “fitness for duty” psychological evaluation and/or counseling may be
required by the Sheriff or designee prior to return to duty.

3.1.3

Disposition of Complaints
Appropriate finding by the Sheriff or designee
A. Sustained – The allegation is supported by an applicable standard of
evidence and the actions were in violation of some law, policy, rule, or
procedure governing the conduct of office members.
B. Not Sustained – There is not a preponderance of available evidence to
either prove or disprove the allegations.

3.1.4

Disciplinary Action
If the County has reason to discipline an employee, the County shall do so
privately and in a manner that will not embarrass the employee before other
employees or the public (as noted in the collective bargaining agreements).
The agency will follow any disciplinary action as written in any current,
collective bargaining agreement, related to written reprimand, suspension
without pay, demotion or discharge.
A. Oral Warnings
1. Oral warnings are appropriate for isolated occurrences of minor
offenses.
2. Supervisors may issue oral warnings unilaterally.
3. The supervisor should call the employee aside to discuss the problem
and agree upon a resolution.
4. An oral warning should not be noted in the member’s personnel file.
The supervisor may keep a record of such discussions for the annual
evaluation. These actions will be reviewed by the Division Captain or
Lieutenant.
B. Written Reprimands
1. Written warnings are appropriate for more serious problems or
repeated occurrences of minor problems where oral warning shave
failed to correct behavior.
2. The member shall receive a written notification from the supervisor
clearly stating the problem(s) and stating the corrective action to be
taken. A written warning should document any oral warnings which
may have already been given.
3. The member and supervisor shall have a conference where the
problem and required corrective action will be restated.
4. The original copy of the written warning, signed by the member, the
supervisor and each successive member of the employee’s chain of
command, up to and including the Bureau Chief, will be placed in the
member’s personnel file. The employee may appeal per bargaining
unit contract.
C. Last Chance Agreement/Work Plan
A last chance agreement/work plan should be used to put a member on
notice that failure to improve could result in termination of employment.
The supervisor shall notify the member in writing that the member is on a
last chance agreement/work plan. The written notification shall state the
reasons for disciplinary action, the term of the last chance agreement,
and explain consequences of failure to improve. The written notification
shall be transmitted during a counseling session during which the
problem and required corrective action should be clearly restated. During
this period, the performance of the member should be closely monitored.

D. Internal or External Counseling
* As directed by the Sheriff or designee
E. Change of Assignment
* As directed by the Sheriff for designee
F. Loss of Vacation/Compensatory Time/or Pay
* As directed by the Sheriff or designee
G. Compulsory Examination by Physician, Psychologist or Psychiatrist
* As directed by the Sheriff or designee
H. Suspension without Pay
1. Suspension without pay is appropriate for serious misconduct or
when lesser disciplinary actions have been ineffective in correcting
problems.
2. Per the “Loudermill” hearing rule, the suspended member shall be
notified in writing of the suspension.
The written notification shall state the reasons for the suspension, the
term of the suspension and explain the consequences of failure to
improve. The written notification shall be transmitted during a
counseling session during which the problem and required corrective
action should be restated. During the counseling session, the
supervisor shall notify the member of the informal hearing required
below.
3. Prior to discipline, a member shall be given an opportunity to hear the
facts presented in support of the proposed suspension without pay
and to present any information or mitigating circumstances which
may affect he decision. An informal hearing, which includes the
member, the supervisor making the recommendation to suspend
without pay, and the Sheriff or designee will be held for this purpose.
4. Suspension without pay requires prior approval of the Sheriff or
designee subject to an informal hearing which may affect the decision
to suspend.
5. The Civil Service Commission shall be notified as soon as possible of
suspension without pay.
6. A copy of the written notice of suspension without pay shall be
forwarded to the member’s personnel file.
I. Withholding a Step Increase or Reducing a Step
1. Withholding a step increase or reducing a step may be appropriate
for serious performance problems or when the performance review
process and/or lesser disciplinary actions have been ineffective in
correcting the problem.
2. The member shall be notified in writing. The written notification shall
clearly state the reasons for the withholding/reduction, the term of the

action and explain consequences of failure to improve. The written
notification shall be transmitted during a counseling session during
which the problem and the required corrective action should be
clearly stated. During the counseling session, the supervisor shall
notify the member of the informal hearing required below.
3. Prior to step reduction, a member must be given an opportunity to
hear the facts presented in support of the proposed reduction and to
present any information or mitigating circumstances which may affect
the decision. An informal hearing, which includes the member, the
supervisor making the recommendation to reduce a step, and the
Sheriff or designee will e held for this purpose. Members may
request the presence of the representative of their choice.
4. Withholding a step increase or reducing a step requires prior approval
by the Sheriff or designee, subject to an informal hearing which may
affect the decision.
5. Civil Service shall be notified of such action as soon as possible.
6. A copy of the written notice of withholding a step increase or reducing
a step shall be forwarded to the member’s personnel file.
J. Demotion in Rank
* As ordered by the Sheriff.
K. Termination of Employment
* As ordered by the Sheriff.

3.1.5

Pre-Disciplinary Hearing
Members will be afforded due process in disciplinary matters. Prior to
disciplinary action stronger than a written reprimand, the Sheriff or designee
will call for a Pre-Disciplinary meeting. The member will be notified in writing
of the following.
A. The charge/violation.
B. Which specific policy, procedure or rule was violated.
C. Which action is being considered.
D. The member may present any mitigating circumstances they wish to
share surrounding the incident. (Members can tell their side of the story)
E. Only the member or the member’s representative shall be permitted to
respond to the charges by explaining their side of the story, unless the
office agrees to hear other testimony.
F. A decision to impose the discipline will be made within twenty days of the
hearing. Written notice of the decision shall be supplied to the member.

3.1.6

Appeal Process
Members may appeal the decision of the reviewing authority to the Civil
Service Commission in accordance with R.C.W. 41.14.120, the Civil Service
Rules or employee contract grievance procedures, whichever is appropriate.

The employee may select which process, according to the respective
bargaining unit contract.

3.2

MAINTENANCE OF DISCIPLINARY RECORDS

The findings of disciplinary actions are secure and maintained in the office of the Sheriff’s Executive
Aide.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

4.1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY

It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office to have no-tolerance towards those individuals
committing acts of domestic violence, including those violating protective orders. Recognizing the
far-reaching impact upon the community in general of crimes of a domestic nature, it is the policy of
this office to treat the enforcement and investigation of such crimes with the highest priority possible.
Also see: (2004) Model Operating Procedures located on the “common drive” of the county network.
A. Arrests
Arrests shall be made consistent with the mandatory arrest law, referenced in RCW
10.31.100, subsection 2. If probable cause to arrest exists for any crime related to
domestic violence, even if it is outside the four-hour time frame mandating arrest for
certain crimes (as detailed in RCW 10.31.100), every reasonable effort shall be
made to locate and arrest the suspect. It is recognized that not all suspects can be
located, initially; however, due diligence shall be utilized in attempting to apprehend
all domestic violence perpetrators. This includes those individuals violating
protective orders. If, after making reasonable efforts to locate the suspect or
domestic violence-related crimes and they are still at large, detectives assigned to
the Domestic Violence Unit or other patrol deputies (next shift, etc.) will continue to
try to locate and arrest said suspect.
B. Reporting
All reported incidents of domestic-related crimes and protective order violations shall
be documented in a written report. There will be no delayed reports when a victim
has alleged that a crime of a domestic nature and/or a protective order violation has
occurred, even if probable cause to arrest has not been established. When an arrest
is intended or probable, photos and the “Smith” Affidavit and a voice-recorded victim
statement will be taken by the reporting deputy on each and every domestic violence
call for service, whenever possible, as well as any witness and suspect taped
statements as are with permission.
C. Courtesy
All victims of domestic-related crimes will be treated with dignity and respect.
Investigating deputies and detectives will be mindful of the dynamics of domestic
violence and the impact offender’s actions often have upon victims. Investigating
deputies will advise victims of available resources as well as their “rights” as victims,
as detailed in RCW 10.99.030, subsection 7.
D. Training
Deputies and detectives shall attend yearly, mandatory, in-house training updates on
domestic violence-related issues.
E. Supervisory Duties
Supervisors are responsible to ensure that the policy and procedures all occur and
that no deviation or optional practice or methodology takes place that might
circumvent the intention to follow law.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

5.1

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY (INVOLVING LAW
ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEES)

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear protocols and actions for investigating and reporting of
domestic violence involving Thurston County Sheriff's Office employees and law enforcement
officers from other agencies and to thereby discourage and reduce acts of domestic violence by law
enforcement commissioned personnel. Refer to DV Model Operational Procedure on the common
drive.
Public confidence in law enforcement is paramount to our ability to maintain public safety. To that
end, the public must trust that law enforcement employees are held to the standards of the law
regarding domestic violence. Therefore, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) will:
1. Promptly respond to allegations of domestic violence by an employee according to this
policy and all applicable laws.
2. Give primary consideration to protection of the victim of domestic violence and
enforcement of the laws.
3. Respect the due process rights of all employees, according to applicable, legal
precedent and collective bargaining agreements.
4. Expeditiously report and conduct thorough investigations into any allegation of a law
enforcement employee involved in domestic violence.
5. Train employees and seek to educate their families about intimate violence and avenues
for assistance.
The following definitions are to be used when interpreting this chapter of the policy manual:
Domestic Violence - as defined in RCW 10.99 includes two elements: first, a relationship between
the perpetrator and the victim defined in RCW 10.99.0202(3), and second, that a criminal act has
occurred as defined in RCW 10.99.020(5).
Domestic dispute - is an incident involving a relationship defined in RCW 10.99.020(3) where there
was no criminal action.
Domestic violence treatment provider - refers to a treatment provider certified by the State of
Washington as a batterer’s treatment provider as defined in RCW 26.50.150.
Domestic violence specialist - refers to an individual with professional credentials in the dynamics
of battering, advocacy and victim safety.
Sworn employee - means a general authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW
10.93.020, any person appointed under RCW 35.21.333, and any person appointed or elected to
carry out the duties of the sheriff under chapter 36.28 RCW.
Employee - means any person currently employed with an agency.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

6.1

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The organizational structure of the agency is described by an organizational chart which is kept on
file and maintained monthly by the Fiscal Manager.

6.2

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office to set minimum entry-level job specifications for
prospective employees. These requirements and the job descriptions of the Thurston County
Sheriff's Office will be maintained in the Civil Service Examiner’s Office.

6.2.1

Individual Responsibilities
Since each individual member is an official representative of the entire office,
the personal attitude demonstrated in the performance of their duties must be
consistent with those of the other members within the office and the policies
of the office. Regardless of specific assignments, there is a necessity for
minimum levels of understanding and adherence to office policies. Effective
law enforcement depends on a high degree of cooperation between the office
and the public it serves. The practice of courtesy in all public contacts
encourages understanding and appreciation; discourtesy breeds contempt
and resistance. The majority of the public are law abiding citizens who
rightfully expect fair and courteous treatment by all office members. While the
urgency of a situation might preclude the ordinary social amenities,
discourtesy under any circumstances is indefensible. The practice of
courtesy by a member is not a manifestation of weakness; on the contrary, it
is entirely consistent with the fairness and impartiality that characterizes a
professional member of a full-service Sheriff’s Office.

6.2.2

Personnel Matters
The regulations and procedures which follow, deal with conditions of
employment, affiliation and basic duties of members of this organization.
Violations of any of the regulations included in this section will be grounds for
disciplinary action.

6.2.3

Residence
The location of a member’s residence must be such that if the member is
contacted and called back to duty in an emergency, they can report to the
courthouse, ready for duty, within one hour of being contacted. New
members will meet this requirement within 12 months of appointment.

6.2.4

Address
All members are responsible for seeing that their current residence and
mailing address is on file with the Sheriff’s Executive Aide. Members will
promptly inform the office, through the chain of command, of any change in

address. This requirement applies even when a change of address is of a
temporary nature.

6.2.5

Telephone Requirement and Responsibilities
All members must have a telephone in their residence so that they may be
contacted in emergency situations. Members are responsible for seeing that
their current telephone number is on file with the Sheriff’s Executive Aide and
their supervisor. Employees will not divulge the address or telephone
number of any other current employee to any other person outside this office.

6.2.6

Assignment Orders
From time to time for the good of the organization, the administration may
determine that members need to be rotated to different areas. Assignment
changes will be made in writing with as much lead time as possible for the
affected member.

6.3

BUREAU RESPONSIBILITIES

This office consists of four bureaus: Operations, Services, Corrections and Administrative Services.
The responsibilities of each component shall be as follows:

6.3.1

Operations Bureau
The Operations Bureau is commanded by a Chief Deputy who reports
directly to the Undersheriff. The Operations Bureau is responsible for
enforcing laws and ordinances deterring crime, investigating complaints, and
maintaining public order in day-to-day operations.
Programs:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

6.3.2

SWAT Team
CERT Team
K-9 Program
Reserves
Detectives
Drug Court
S.O.R. (Sex Offender Registration)
Bicycle Patrol Unit
Marine Services

Services Bureau
The Services Bureau is commanded by a Chief Deputy who reports directly
to the Undersheriff. The Services Bureau is responsible for emergency
services/disaster operations, records, statistics, civil process, criminal
warrant, training and the front desk operation of the office.
Programs:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Dive Team
Community Outreach
Mounted Patrol
Search and Rescue / Emergency Management
Explorers

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

6.3.3

Jeep Patrol
County Fair
Volunteers
Web Page
IT Programs
Fleet Management
Courthouse Security
TCSO Space and Facilities
Neighborhood Speed Watch

Corrections Bureau
The Corrections Bureau is commanded by a Chief Deputy, who reports
directly to the Undersheriff. The Chief Deputy oversees Corrections Bureau
operations and programs.
The Corrections Bureau is responsible for intake of inmates; inmate
supervision, classification, grievances and disciplinary; inmate housing; incustody programs; food services; health services; and Correctional Options.
Correctional Options Programs:
Work Release
Electronic Home Monitoring
Day Jail
Day Reporting
Inmate Work Crews/Community Betterment
In-Custody Programs:
Adult Basic Education
AA/NA
Alternative Day In Jail (ADJ)
Anger Management
Chemical Dependency Program
HIV/AIDS Education Class
Inside Inmate Worker
Jail Ministries
Turning Point Female Offender Program
Inmate Law Library
Domestic Violence Offender Program
Get Ready, Get Set and Get Employed Program
Mental Health Program

6.3.4

Administrative Services Bureau
Responsibilities:
Budget Preparation
Revenue and Expenditure Monitoring
Grant Monitoring and Accounting
Contracts and Resolutions
Board of County Commissioner Briefings
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Payroll
Treasurer Deposits
Inmate Accounting
Options Program Accounting
Commissary Processing

Inmate Medical Billing
Collection Process – Inmate Medical Billing/Booking/Options
Inventory
Request for Proposals
Purchasing Authorization
Processing of Chapter 13 and Bankruptcy
Notices on Inmate Debts
Fiscal Oversight of Civil Fee Collection and Investigative Fund
Petty Cash Disbursements
Auditing and Processing of LEOFF I Medical Claims

6.4

COMMAND PROTOCOL

When personnel of different organizational components of the agency are engaged in a single or
common operation the following command protocol will apply.
1.

When the primary task is a patrol operations function, the Chief Deputy of Operations will
assume command.

2.

When the primary task is a criminal investigations function or it has been requested that
criminal investigations take referral of an investigation, the Chief Deputy of Operations will
assume command.

3.

When the primary task is a jail operations function, the Chief Deputy of Corrections will
assume command. In the event that assistance is requested from the Patrol Division to
restore order, the Chief Deputy of Operations will assist with command of the incident.

4.

When the primary task is a natural or man-made disaster, including Search and Rescue
operation, the Chief Deputy of Services will assume command.

5.

In the absence of a command deputy, the on-duty supervisor shall assume command of
situations under their respective control until the incident is referred to another division, is
concluded, or they are relieved by a command deputy.

6.4.1

Conflict of Orders
Whenever a supervisor, in the necessary performance of duty, gives an order
to any subordinate member not attached to their unit or assignment, that
senior employee must exercise care that such an order does not
unnecessarily conflict with those of the commanding deputy of that division to
which the member is assigned.

6.4.2

Leave of Assigned Post
Whenever orders, so given, require the member receiving same to leave their
regular assigned post or duty, the senior employee giving such order will, as
soon as practicable, inform such subordinate’s commanding deputy of the
action taken.

6.4.3

Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies
The Office maintains a close working relationship with other law enforcement
agencies, and makes available to them information concerning techniques or
procedures developed or used by the Office. This office cannot carry out its
mission without the closest possible cooperation with other law enforcement
agencies.

6.5

ORGANIZATIONAL SUBDIVISIONS

The organizational subdivisions within the span of control of the agency’s Chief Executive Officer are
grouped by function and depicted in the organizational chart.

6.6

ACCOUNTABILITY OF AUTHORITY

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office employee is accountable for the use of delegated authority
empowered to them under color of their badge, position and/or rank, and for the use of delegated
authority under all State of Washington laws and Thurston County ordinances. However, the
responsibility for authority remains with the delegating authority.

6.7

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To provide for the formulation, annual updating, and distribution to all personnel; the goals and
objectives of the Department.

6.7.1

Goals
To identify criminal activity, pursue and apprehend criminal offenders, and proceed
in the prosecution of known offenders.
To maintain a proactive patrol division and investigation force and thus reduce the
opportunity to commit crime.
To instill public confidence in the agency, by maintaining a high degree of
professionalism, dedication and expertise in the Law Enforcement field.

6.7.2

Annual Review
The Sheriff with assistance from the Command Staff, shall annually review, update,
and distribute to all personnel, written goals and objectives for the Office.

6.7.3

Information Utilized
Information provided through monthly staff meetings and supervisory meetings will
assist the Command Staff in revising or setting new goals and objectives.
Supervisors are encouraged to solicit from their subordinates ideas and
suggestions pertaining to Office goals and objectives. Suggestions will be
discussed at monthly Staff meetings.

6.7.4

Bureau Goals
Bureau Chiefs will annually submit goals and objectives for their respective
divisions. Monthly evaluations will be submitted from each division stating
progress made toward the attainment of goals and objectives, and discussed at
Staff meetings.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

7.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AUTHORITY

The Sheriff of the County is elected by public vote. The Sheriff is the Chief Executive Officer and
conservator of the peace of the county and will execute the duties of office pursuant to RCW
36.28/2.28/70.48.
The number of people reporting directly to the Sheriff must necessarily be limited. Clearly defined
lines of authority must be drawn to ensure unity of command. Employees must be aware of their
relative positions in the Sheriff’s Office organization and responsibility to operate within the chain of
command.
Employees must keep their supervisors informed as to their activities. The Sheriff shall have the
power and authority to discipline employees of the office for non-compliance with the rules,
regulations, procedures, and lawful orders issued by the Sheriff or any commanding deputy.

7.2

CHAIN OF COMMAND

The Sheriff exercises command over all personnel within the agency. The succession of command
in the absence of the Sheriff is as follows:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

The Undersheriff
The Chief Deputy of Operations
The Chief Deputy of Services
The Chief Deputy of Corrections
The divisional commander whose division would have the primary task when otherwise
present on the scene, or that commander’s designee.
The divisional mid-manager or first-line supervisor on duty, or on call, or designee. If the
primary duties are investigatory, then the Detective Division mid-manager should assume
command.

In the absence of a command deputy, the on duty supervisor shall assume command of situations
unless the mission is primarily investigatory, then he should relinquish command to the Detective
Division supervisor. This individual shall maintain control until the situation is concluded or they are
relieved by a command deputy.

7.2.1

Supervision
Supervision in its broadest sense consists of three main tasks: to organize,
to delegate, and to oversee. To “organize” means planning the work of the
Office and its members in an orderly manner. To “delegate” means giving
someone else the responsibility and authority to do something which the
supervisor does not have the time or the ability to do efficiently. The
supervisor confers upon a subordinate that same responsibility that the
supervisor possesses, but in a more limited scope. In the final analysis,
however, it will be the responsibility of the supervisor to assure that the work
is done. To “oversee” means that the supervisor follows up to see that the
work organized and delegated is carried out.

On-duty, full-time, paid Operations Deputies and Corrections Deputies are
responsible for on-scene command. At no time will full-time deputies defer
responsibility for judgment calls to non-paid or auxiliary members.

7.2.2

Command Responsibilities
Upon a change of command, the commanding deputy being replaced has a
duty to lend their full assistance in making the command transition as smooth
and orderly as possible. Orientation of a new commanding deputy should
include information concerning unique aspects of the command and
assistance in continuing community and professional contacts relative to the
command.
The nature of command is such that there must be a coexisting loyalty to the
management of the office and to subordinates. The resolution of those
loyalties, in a manner which benefits both the Office and the individual, and
which avoids conflicts between the two interests requires the exercise of
leadership. An interest in employees and their welfare is a responsibility of
command, which may extend beyond morale problems and their effect upon
an individual’s performance. It includes a concern for the personal problems,
desires and interests of employees and positive assistance in resolving those
problems or in achieving their goals. However, commanding deputies should
be cautious to avoid interfering where assistance is not required or desired.
Commanding deputies have a responsibility to maintain professional and
community contacts as they relate to their command. As representatives of
the office, commanding deputies must take an active role in the community of
their command, and participate in identifying and providing for its needs that
fall within the responsibility of this office.

7.2.3

Emergency Notification of the Sheriff
Supervisory/Command deputies are responsible for notifying the Sheriff, via
the chain of command, whenever one of the following incidents occurs. If
specific command deputies are unavailable, (in the chain of command) the
on-duty supervisor or commander shall personally contact the Sheriff.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

A deputy or other Sheriff’s Office employee is killed or injured
sufficiently to cause hospitalization.
An immediate family member of a deputy or other Sheriff’s Office
employee is killed or seriously injured.
A Thurston County official is killed or seriously injured, either here or
elsewhere, and any other public official is killed or seriously injured in
our jurisdiction.
The filing of a complaint of serious misconduct by a deputy or other
Sheriff’s Office employee.
The arrest of a deputy or other Sheriff’s Office employee, either here or
elsewhere, and the arrest of any other police officer in our jurisdiction.
Criminal accusation against a Thurston County official.
The arrest of a Thurston County official or a member of their immediate
family.
Homicide or possible fatal injuries to the victim of a crime.
Kidnapping.
Bombing
Sniper Incident
Barricaded person
A life-threatening situation develops within the Sheriff’s Office
jurisdiction that requires mobilization of the SWAT unit or a request
from another law enforcement agency is received for the assistance of

14.

15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

7.2.4

the Sheriff’s SWAT unit; i.e., hostage situations, barricaded subjects, or
other special tactical operations.
Shooting in which a deputy of the Sheriff’s Office is involved. Firearms
are discharged by any member of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office
that results in injury to any person, or discharged at any member
resulting in injury to the deputy.
Death or serious injury resulting from an accident in which Sheriff’s
vehicle is involved.
A life-threatening situation occurs in the jail or courthouse complex.
An emergency alert is declared by the State of Washington or the
federal government.
A potential or actual disaster occurs affecting Thurston County and/or
the surrounding counties of southern Puget Sound.
A major civil or criminal disturbance requiring law enforcement
response. Additionally, the Sheriff is to be informed of anything which,
in the judgment of a command deputy, should be brought to his
attention. Examples: Politically sensitive incident; unusual or
spectacular incident of high public interest.

Communications Through the Chain of Command
In routine matters, criminal or administrative, all members of the Office will
direct communications to their immediate supervisor. They, in turn, will be
responsible for directing the information to higher authority.
If a member believes they have information of a sensitive or personal nature
as to require communication outside the chain of command, they may
communicate directly with any higher ranking official, including the Sheriff. At
that point, the responsibility for any further dissemination of the information
lies with the higher ranking official.

7.3

SUPERVISOR ACCOUNTABILITY

All supervisors shall at all times be responsible and accountable for the work performance of
subordinate personnel under their immediate control, within policy guidelines and legal constraints.
A supervisor has authority to direct and coordinate assigned personnel and allocate resources to
achieve organizational goals and objectives. Supervisors are responsible for:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Guiding, directing, motivating and training.
Planning the work of personnel in an orderly manner.
Delegating authority and responsibility when appropriate.
Following the progress of task assignments to satisfactory completion, in order to guide
people to a high level of productivity.

The primary unit assigned to respond to a complaint shall assume control of the situation until
conclusion or until properly relieved by a more senior deputy. The arrival of a more senior deputy
shall not be considered as an implicit assumption of command unless so communicated by the
senior deputy. The presence of the next chain of command may be requested, and upon arrival,
may evaluate the scene or situation and assume command as the supervisor deems necessary. A
supervisor will respond and take command of all situations involving:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Civil unrest.
Injury to or by a law enforcement officer.
Damage to a Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
Major crimes, including but not limited to: Homicide, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault,
Forcible Rapes, Kidnap, or any other incident within the supervisor’s discretion may have a
significant impact upon the agency or its personnel.

7.4

DUTY TO OBEY LAWFUL ORDERS

The Sheriff’s Office is an organization with a clearly defined hierarchy of authority. This is necessary
because unquestioned obedience of a superior’s lawful command is essential for the safe and
prompt performance of law enforcement operations. The most desirable means of obtaining
compliance is recognition and reward of proper performance and the positive encouragement of a
willingness to serve. However, negative discipline may be necessary where there is a willful
disregard of lawful orders, commands or directives. Members are responsible for their own acts and
they shall not shift the burden to others of this responsibility for executing or failing to execute a duty,
a lawful order, or law enforcement obligation.
Sworn members at all times, on or off duty, shall accept the responsibilities imposed upon them by
law as to their duties and authority. When within the boundaries of Thurston County they shall
preserve the public peace, detect and arrest violators of the law, prevent crime, protect life and
property, and enforce the criminal laws of the State of Washington and ordinances of Thurston
County.

7.4.1

Compliance With Orders/Insubordination
Members will promptly obey any lawful orders of a supervisor. Any member
who refuses to obey a lawful order will be considered insubordinate and will
be subject to disciplinary action. Orders may be relayed to a member by
another member of equal or higher rank.

7.4.2

Conflicting or Illegal Orders
Members who are given a proper order which is in conflict with a previous
order, regulation, directive or manual, shall respectfully inform the supervisor
issuing the order of the conflict. If the supervisor issuing the order does not
alter or retract the conflicting order, the order shall stand. Under these
circumstances, the responsibility shall be upon the supervisor. Members
shall obey the conflicting order and shall not be responsible for disobedience
of the order previously issued. Members shall not obey any order which they
reasonably believe would require them to commit any illegal act. If in doubt
as to the legality of the order, members shall request the issuing supervisor
to clarify the order or confer with a higher authority.

7.5

WRITTEN DIRECTIVES

Policy is a statement of guiding principles that are directed toward the attainment of Sheriff’s Office
goals and objectives. Policy is based on established law enforcement ethics, experience, will of the
people, and intent of the law. All policies, written directives, procedures, rules, regulations, and
general orders will be authorized by the Sheriff or his designee, dated, and reviewed at least yearly.
Review of policies will be a responsibility of all administrative rank. All policies, rules and
regulations, procedures, written directives, and general orders will remain in effect until modified,
replaced, or discontinued by authority of the Sheriff. Temporary orders will show an expiration date.
Directives of lesser importance than policy or procedure may be developed and issued by bureau
chiefs. Purging of unused or improper subsections, procedures, rules or regulations will be staffed
prior to yearly reviews.

7.5.1

Other Publications
In addition to this policy manual, all employees are expected to familiarize
themselves with other official Sheriff’s Office publications.

7.5.2

Special Orders or Operational Directives
These are directives of limited duration to cover a specific event and are
issued by the Sheriff or designee.

7.5.3

Personnel Orders
These are orders involving employment, rank or assignments, and are issued
by the Sheriff or his designee. Decisions to announce disciplinary actions
are made by the Sheriff.

7.5.4

Modifications
Any modifications to policies or directives will be approved by the Sheriff or
his designee prior to any change. Any discs or similar, portable storage
forms that contain directives, procedures, or similar documents, will be stored
with the agency policy manager(s) of such documents, to assure ease of
updating.

7.5.5

Staff Meeting Review
Written directives will be reviewed by the Chief Deputies and Undersheriff
prior to implementation, unless by emergency order of the Sheriff.

7.5.6

Training Bulletins
These are issued by the Administrative Captain, any Bureau Chief, or
Captain and cover the following:
a. Alerting personnel to changes in law or administrative rule.
b. Alerting personnel to improved techniques or recently developed
knowledge.
c. Reviewing basic knowledge, procedures, and techniques for dealing with
a newly emerging or particularly difficult crime problem.
d. Reviewing areas in which operationally problems have developed.
e. Introducing personnel to the details of a change in procedures or
regulation. Review techniques or procedures in a particularly sensitive
area.

7.5.7

Policy Manual Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all employees to note any manual or directive
discrepancies, errors or omissions, and to notify their supervisor of same.

7.5.8

Format
Unless otherwise instructed, the Administrative Captain, or command rank by
the Sheriff’s designee, will format the written directives in a manner
consistent with this manual. No policy, procedure, regulation, rule or
directive will have a retroactive date. The issuing authority will indicate any
effective date of policy, procedures or regulation.

7.5.9

Personnel Responsibilities
All new employees will view the policy manual and be granted access to an
electronic file of the policy manual and receive a copy of the Civil Services
Rules and bargaining contract by the personnel coordinator.

7.5.10

Personnel Acknowledgement
Supervisors are responsible for apprising and training all personnel under
their command of all issuance of policies and directives. All personnel are
required to read each policy when received electronically, or otherwise, and
when initially hired during training on the policy manual or procedures.

7.5.11

Policy and Directive Dispersal
Management is responsible for new hire and current member reading,
understanding and compliance of all policies and directives via training or at
briefings. Employee verification will be routed back to the Sheriff’s Executive
Aide via the chain of command. The policy will be provided on the agency
computers.

7.5.12

General Orders
Each division will maintain a General Orders/Procedures Guide until such
time as they are rescinded or superseded. General orders will include any
expiration date, if applicable, and dated division. Bureau and civilian
managers may issue memos or notices which affect their functional units.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

8.1

VEHICLE POLICY

Members shall operate vehicles in a careful and prudent manner and shall obey all laws of the state
and all official orders pertaining to such operation. Members shall have a current Washington
driver’s license. Loss or suspension of a civilian driving license shall be reported to the member’s
supervisor, immediately.

8.1.1

Use of Vehicles
Members have the responsibility to operate county vehicles in a safe and
skillful manner. When proceeding to overtake a vehicle, members will use
due caution and have concern for public safety. All pursuits will be
terminated when the risks outweigh the need for apprehension. Supervisors
are responsible for assuring public safety decision making. Unsafe driving
practices will be avoided as possible.

8.1.2

Operation of Vehicles – Normal Conditions
1. Any unauthorized private use of office vehicles or property is prohibited.
2. Members shall not use office vehicles outside of Thurston County except
when in pursuit of suspects or on authorized official business.
3. Members shall not use issued vehicles without the knowledge or
permission of their superiors.
4. No member shall allow, at any time, an unauthorized person to operate a
county vehicle or have in their possession the keys to such a vehicle,
other than under an emergency condition or circumstance.
5. A member operating a county vehicle shall not permit unauthorized
persons to ride in said vehicle.
6. If a member drives a marked vehicle off duty, he shall be presentably
dressed.

8.1.3

Vehicle Equipment
Each issued vehicle will be equipped in accordance to the specific needs of
the deputy assigned. The Sheriff’s Office Fleet Manager will have the final
say on what is issued to each vehicle, but will receive input from the affected
Bureau Chief Deputy.

8.1.4

Equipment Inspection – Operator
It shall be the responsibility of an assigned vehicle operator to ensure that
their assigned vehicle for the day is properly equipped with routine equipment
(first aid kit, road flares, fire extinguisher, shotgun or rifle, extra ammunition,
etc., as appropriate or required for their duties) at the beginning of their shift.
Likewise, vehicles shall be inspected by operators for damage or faulty

equipment prior to being driven. Special attention will be given to brakes,
lights, fluid levels, and emergency equipment (sirens, lights).
When damage or faulty equipment is discovered, it shall be reported to the
on-duty supervisor immediately. The supervisor shall check the damage
and/or faulty equipment and evaluate the vehicle’s serviceability. If minor,
the operator and supervisor shall complete written reports concerning
damage, forwarding these through the chain of command. The vehicle
should thereafter be taken to the county shop for repairs as soon as
practicable. If the damage is major, the supervisor shall order the vehicle
dead-lined.
THERE SHALL BE NO MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS, OR DELETIONS
TO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION BY A
BUREAU CHIEF OR HIGHER RANK.

8.1.5

Equipment Inspection – Supervisor
All supervisors should inspect vehicles at least annually and ensure that the
vehicle inventory log agrees with equipment in that vehicle and that all
equipment is serviceable and in proper working condition.
Vehicles with safety discrepancies will not be operated. All unsafe vehicles
will be dead-lined at the county shop until repaired. Vehicle safety
discrepancies caused by commission or omission of the assigned operator
shall be reported to the respective bureau Chief via the chain of command.
Negligence in vehicle maintenance by the assigned operator shall be
grounds for disciplinary action.

8.1.6

Seat Belt Use
It shall be mandatory for all office personnel and their passengers, while
driving or riding in a county-owned vehicle that is equipped with seat safety
belts, to use the belts in the manner for which they are designed. The belt
must be fastened in the approved manner at all times when the vehicle is
moving, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

8.1.7

Parking Vehicles on Public Streets
Members and employees of this office shall legally park county-owned
vehicles on public streets except in situations involving official duties.

8.1.8

Transportation of Sick or Injured Persons
Without authorization from a superior, no member of the office shall transport
a sick or injured person or animal in a county-owned vehicle, except in case
of emergency to save the life of a human being. If a superior is not available
and a sick or injured person is transported, a written report shall be promptly
submitted to a superior setting forth all details for such action. It shall be the
policy of this office to NOT escort another vehicle while using emergency
equipment. This section does not apply to persons in-custody.

8.1.9

Civilian Passengers Riding Patrol
Division commanders may authorize civilian passengers. Any non-salaried
individual who acts in the capacity of a student, trainee, or observer while
riding on patrol or otherwise functioning with members of this office, shall be

required to tender a waiver to release the office of any potential
responsibility.
Supervisors are responsible for securing and maintaining this waiver.

8.1.10

Use of County Vehicles for Paid Details
The use of county vehicles traveling to and from extra paid details promotes
and increases patrol visibility in the community, and is allowed when
authorized by the office. However, routine patrolling of specific areas other
than on office business is prohibited

8.1.11

Impound of County Vehicles
In the event of a breakdown or accident involving a county vehicle during
regular business hours, the county shop will be called, if open. A decision to
tow the vehicle will be made after consulting a mechanic.
In all other circumstances the district contract tow company shall be
requested through CAPCOM, with the approval of the on-duty supervisor.

8.1.12

Assigned Vehicles
No member has a right to an assigned vehicle. It is a privilege and should be
regarded as such. Restrictions on assigned vehicles shall be determined by
current language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

8.1.13

Special Purpose Vehicles
All vehicles other than cars, SUV’s and small vans will be considered special
use vehicles. These vehicles will be utilized only by members who are
licensed by the state and properly trained. Operation of these vehicles will
be in compliance with all office policies, regulations, and state and federal
requirements. These vehicles include, but are not limited to:
A.

Watercraft Vehicles; i.e., Boats. These are controlled by the
Operations Bureau Chief, and may be utilized by the Dive Team,
Marine Patrol Deputy, or any member whose competency has been
established by our Marine Patrol Deputy. Storage will be as directed
by the Operations Bureau Chief.

B.

Communications Van. The Communications Van will be controlled
by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and utilized by Search and
Rescue members or major crime investigation staff. The Services
Bureau Chief has overall control and maintenance responsibilities of
the Communications Van. Storage may be at any county facility, or
with on-call members authorized by the Sheriff, Undersheriff or
Services Bureau Chief.

C.

The Dive Team Van is controlled by the Services Bureau Chief and
maintained by the county shop. The Services Bureau Chief will
designate the storage location. The team leader is responsible for
timely inventory, inspection and cleaning after a dive incident. Callouts with the van are controlled by the Dive Team Leader.

D.

Evidence Vehicles are controlled by the Operations Bureau Chief,
maintained by the county shop, and assigned to the Evidence
Supervisor.

8.1.14

E.

The SWAT Van is controlled by the Operations Bureau Chief, and is
assigned to the SWAT Team Commander.

F.

The Lab Response Trailer is controlled by the Operations Bureau
Chief, and assigned to the SWAT/Lab Team Commander.

Required Assigned Vehicle Maintenance
1. Regular preventative maintenance.
2. Washed and cleaned inside.
3. Routine inspection of all safety equipment on the vehicle, including tire
pressure and fluid levels. Failure to properly maintain an assigned
vehicle may result in revocation of assigned vehicle privileges or other
disciplinary action as a result of inattentiveness, dereliction, or negligence
on the part of the assigned operator.

8.1.15

Assigned Vehicle Parking
Members shall see that assigned vehicles are locked, protected, and parked
off street, if possible.

8.1.16

Assigned Vehicle Equipment Removal
All weapons, flashlights, radars, or any other “non-expendable supply”
equipment items will be removed and secured if the county shop is
unattended or the vehicle remains at the county shop unattended.

8.1.17

Assigned Vehicle Malfunctions
Whenever a vehicle malfunctions, or any discrepancy is noted, the vehicle
will be taken to the county shop. The proper repair notification will be
completed by the assigned operator and left in the vehicle for the mechanic.
If there is a mechanic on duty, the problem will be explained to the mechanic.
Otherwise, a clear and concise written explanation of the malfunction will be
left in the vehicle for the mechanic.

8.1.18

Fuel Level – Fluid Levels – Oil Change Interval
Whenever a vehicle is used and the operator is nearing the end of shift, the
operator will check for remaining gasoline in the vehicle. When the gauge
indicates half of a tank or less, the operator will refuel before going off shift, if
at all possible.
Whenever refueling of a vehicle is undertaken, the operator will check the
motor oil level, transmission fluid level, coolant reservoir level, and brake fluid
level. Should additional fluids be needed, the operator will immediately add
sufficient fluids, as required. Normally, the operator may go to the county
shop to accomplish this task when the shop is open and only if the fluid level
is sufficient to allow safe operation of the vehicle. Otherwise, the on-duty
supervisor will be contacted to arrange for the transport of needed supplies.
If the operator is unable to acquire the needed fluids, the vehicle will be
dead-lined.
Whenever refueling of a vehicle is undertaken, the operator will also check
the vehicle service tag to ensure that routine maintenance is accomplished
according to established schedules.

8.1.19

Accident Investigations with County Vehicles or Private
Vehicles Used for County Purposes
It shall be the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office that all damage to
county vehicles be reported in writing through the chain of command.
It shall also be the policy of this office that all accidents shall be thoroughly
investigated and the proper reports made.
A member of this office involved in an accident shall not admit any liability for
said accident under any circumstances. Liability is best determined after the
fact in an objective manner by lawyers, courts and insurance people.

8.1.20

County Vehicle Accident Reporting
All members involved in a county vehicle accident, regardless of extent, will
immediately notify their supervisor and submit a report of the circumstances.
All accident reports are to be completed and submitted prior to the end of that
same shift. The exception is if an injury to the member prevents the ability to
submit a written report. In this case, the supervisor shall submit the report
prior to going off shift. All county vehicle accidents must be photographed.
Submission of reports shall be through the chain of command to the
Undersheriff. Members will also adhere to the following:
A. Less than $750.00 damage, not involving death, injury, or hit-and-run, will
not require the state Accident Collision Report.
B. Exceeds $750.00 damage, or involves an injury, death or hit-and-run, will
require the state Accident Collision Report, and will be investigated by a
competent authority, arranged by the bureau Chief or his/her designee.
The accident must be investigated by a competent accident investigator,
preferably from one of the following:
1. Washington State Patrol.
2. Another law enforcement jurisdiction in this county.
3. A Thurston County Deputy Sheriff.
C. On-duty waiver is to be completed By the Sheriff’s Executive Aide, if
applicable.

8.2

PURSUIT DRIVING

It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to make every reasonable effort to apprehend
all people who are attempting to evade arrest.
The decision to pursue must be made by the Deputy involved. This decision will stand unless
countermanded by a supervisor. In all cases, the decision must be made by weighing the hazards
presented by the situation as compared with hazards created by the violator and Deputy. Good
judgment in weighing the risks involved will avoid creating more serious hazards. The primary
principle to be considered is: THE DEGREE OF HAZARD TO WHICH A DEPUTY MUST EXPOSE
SELF AND OTHERS SHOULD DEPEND UPON THE DEGREE OF HAZARD PRESENTED BY THE
SITUATION.

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, in the performance of their duties, may:
1. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of law.
2. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing
down as may be necessary for safe operation.
3. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he/she does not endanger
life or property.
4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in
specified directions.
“The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall
apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the
requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that;
1. An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a law enforcement vehicle
need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the
vehicle.
2. Authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when practical
to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case
shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all
persons, NOR SHALL SUCH PROVISIONS PROTECT THE DRIVER FROM
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR THE
SAFETY OF OTHERS.

8.2.1

Supervisor’s Decision on Pursuit
The on-duty supervisor, who is aware of a pursuit situation and can articulate
that an apprehension is NOT in the best interest of the public, shall direct the
pursuing Deputy to discontinue immediately. At that point, the decision to
continue the pursuit shall NOT be made by the pursuing Deputy.

8.2.2

Misdemeanor Offenses
In cases where the incident initially started with a traffic violation, and
developed into a felony-level offense because the violator attempted to
elude, the incident should be treated as if the violator is a misdemeanant
offender, until such time as the violator’s actions constitute felony crimes
beyond eluding.

8.2.3

Suspect Apprehension
The deputy initiating any pursuit has the responsibility for suspect
apprehension. Unless relieved by a supervisor, the senior deputy of the
primary unit shall be responsible for the control of pursuit tactics, including
the decision to continue pursuit.

8.2.4

Broadcast of Pursuit Information
The initial broadcast of information should include the location and direction
of pursuit, a complete description of the vehicle being pursued, number of
occupants if possible, and the reason for the pursuit.

8.2.5

Back Up of Primary Unit
The second unit joining the pursuit will advise dispatch, and will be
responsible for the back up of the primary unit. It is recommended that the
back-up unit broadcast the pursuit progress, and any post pursuit
information.

8.2.6

Number of Pursuit Vehicles
No more than three marked police vehicles shall be operated in direct pursuit
unless otherwise approved by a supervisor. All other units should stay clear
of the direct pursuit, but should remain alert to its progress. This will allow
them to be in a position to assist quickly, if needed.

8.2.7

Emergency Lights and Siren
Emergency lights and siren shall be used during the entire pursuit.

8.2.8

Pursuit Driving – Direction of Movement
Deputies shall not pursue a “wrong-way-on-the-freeway” violator on the
wrong side of the freeway. In this event, Deputies will use the radio and
attempt to pursue on the right side of the freeway and/or on parallel roads.

8.2.9

Pursuit Jurisdiction
Whenever a Deputy is engaged in an emergency pursuit of a vehicle that
extends into another county jurisdiction, that Deputy will notify, via Capcom,
the affected agency that there is a pursuit in progress. As soon as possible,
the Deputy will turn over the pursuit to the local law enforcement of that
county’s jurisdiction.

8.2.10

Contact with Pursuing Units
The Communications Center will maintain radio contact with the pursuing
unit(s) as long as is practical. If the pursuing deputy leaves the effective
radio range of communications, that deputy will no longer be the
responsibility of the Communications Center.

8.2.11

Outside Agency Pursuits
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office may assist another agency pursuit and
keep the supervisor notified, until and if, the supervisor directs to
discontinue that pursuit.

8.3

RESPONSE TO ROUTINE AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office members assigned or otherwise responsible to respond to an
emergency call shall proceed to the location of the incident as promptly and safely as possible.

8,3.1

Routine Response
A “routine response” as defined by this office includes all vehicle operation
except emergency response and pursuit situations. This includes the use of
any vehicle for transportation purposes, or general patrol driving.

In responding to non-emergency calls, there is seldom a need for members
to drive in excess of posted speed limits.

8.3.2

Urgent Response
An “urgent response” as defined by this office includes responses to calls
that may or may not be life-threatening, but a quick response would enhance
the likelihood of apprehension of a suspect or the preservation of life or
property. This response allows for the use of emergency equipment when
necessary to improve the response time, provided deputies exercise the care
and caution required under Washington State Law.

8.3.3

Emergency Response
An “emergency response” as defined by this office includes all vehicle
operation by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office personnel responding to
situations of an emergency nature. This response allows for the use of
emergency equipment and would justify the operating a vehicle under the
applicable Washington State Statutes covering emergency vehicle operation,
and any associated policies of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

8.4

ACCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS

All traffic accidents involving a county vehicle or a personal vehicle being used on county business
will be reviewed by an Accident Review Board unless the Board is waived by the deputy, in which
case administrative review by the division commander, Bureau Chief, and Undersheriff will prevail.

8.4.1

Point System
A. The accident review policy will include a point system for all accidents and
also for poor maintenance of an assigned vehicle. The Accident Review
Board shall make a determination as to which classification an accident
shall be considered. In addition to its findings of fact, the Board will make
a recommendation to the Undersheriff regarding the number of points to
be assessed to the involved operator.
B. There are five classifications for accidents for consideration by the Board.
The Board will apply one of the following five accident classifications to
each reviewed case, and any prior office record of accidents by the same
operator within the previous two-year period shall be considered.
1. Classification I: Non-Preventable.
Applies whenever operator:
a. Recognized an impending hazard or imminent collision and,
being alert to the potential consequences, took proper evasive
action to minimize the effects of said collision, within reasonable
limitations based on the circumstances present.
b. Could not reasonably have avoided the accident by use of
accepted emergency vehicle operations techniques under the
existing circumstances at the time of the accident.

c. Left the vehicle standing or legally parked in the performance of
their duties as prescribed by law, and the accident was
unavoidable by the operator by virtue of their being away from the
vehicle or other circumstances beyond their control.
Point Value: 0
2. Classification II: Non-Preventable – Non-Reactive
Applies whenever an operator recognized an impending hazard or
imminent collision and being alert to the potential consequences,
failed to take proper evasive action in an effort to minimize the
severity of the accident when such evasive actions could reasonably
have been taken.
Point Value: 0-2
3. Classification III: Preventable (First preventable accident for the
operator)
Collision should not have occurred and was due to actions either
taken or not taken by the operator that proximately caused the
accident.
* Accidents involving less than $2,500.00 damage and/or
minor injury will be a minor preventable.
Point Value: 0-2
* Accidents involving over $2,500.00 damage and/or serious
injury to any party will be a major preventable.
Point Value: 3-5
4. Classification IV: Multiple Preventable
If an operator has more than one major preventable accident or more
than two minor preventable accidents in a two-year-period from the
date of the first accident under consideration.
Point Value: 6-10
5. Classification V: Major Multiple Preventable
If an operator has more than two major preventable accidents or
more than three preventable accidents in the aggregate in a two-year
period from the date of the first accident under consideration resulting
in a point total in excess of 10.
C. Supervisory Assessment Points
In addition to point assessments for accidents as previously described,
supervisors, at their discretion, may assess one (1) to two (2) points to an
assigned vehicle operator for poor care or maintenance of an assigned
vehicle as part of the supervisor’s inspection functions. Poor care or
maintenance shall be described as, but not limited to the following:
1. Unreported minor damage, i.e., minor dents, scratches, paint
transfers, broken lenses, water leaks, broken glass, etc.

2. Failure to request repairs of an operational nature; i.e., headlights,
spotlights, taillights, or turn signals, dash or indicator lights,
emergency equipment, shotguns, flashlights, or any other normally
acceptable operational item immediately upon discovery by the
operator.
3. Failure to maintain proper operational condition; i.e., overdue fluid
changes, tire pressure, gas levels, tire tread wear, or timely requests
for repair of same.
4. Lack of availability of assigned equipment when the vehicle is
purported to be in serviceable condition.
5. Overall cleanliness within the operator’s control.
D. If a supervisor determines that a point assessment is in order, the
supervisor shall forward a memorandum up the chain of command
outlining said assessment and the reasons therefore.

8.4.2

Point Penalty
An accumulation of five (5) or more points in a one-year period will result in
the loss of an assigned vehicle for three months. Further, if the operator
accumulates an additional five (5) points for a total of ten (10) within two
years, they will lose their vehicle for a period of nine months. The vehicle will
be left at the county shop or other location as deemed appropriate. The
operator losing their assigned vehicle privileges will be responsible for
transportation to and from work by private means. Operators with the least
number of points will be given priority when new vehicles are to be assigned.

8.5

MCT’s IN ASSIGNED VEHICLES

Thurston County Sheriff's Office mobile computers (MCTs) are for business use only. Information
obtained through the ACCESS system is restricted to criminal justice user agencies only and is
carefully regulated. Thurston County Sheriff's Office MCT’s are linked together by software.
Problems with one MCT can affect the entire system (county-wide).

8.5.1

Modifications Prohibited
Only software authorized by Thurston County Sheriff's Office and installed by
Thurston County Sheriff's Office technical support staff shall be loaded in
Thurston County Sheriff's Office MCT’s.
Members (except technical support staff) shall not modify any settings
(including, but not limited to screen colors, screen savers, display drivers,
system device drivers, etc.) on Thurston County Sheriff's Office MCTs.

8.5.2

Operational Safety
Members shall not use MCTs in a manner that compromises driving safety
such as, making entries or inquiries on an MCT keyboard while the vehicle
containing the computer is in motion.

8.5.3

Security
Members who are authorized to use MCTs are assigned a personal ID code
and password. Members shall not divulge personal computer security
information to others – with the sole exception of technical support staff.
Member ID codes and passwords are required to activate an MCT.
Members shall log off the MCT at the end of each shift (or at the end of the
work assignment requiring mobile computer use, if such assignment is for
less than a full shift).

8.5.4

Periodic Reviews
MCT activity is monitored. Periodic reviews of both text and inquiry history
are conducted to assure that all communications are professional and are in
compliance with State and Federal law and County and Thurston County
Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.
Only members who have current ACCESS certifications are authorized to
make inquiries through the ACCESS system.

8.5.5

Maintenance and Repair
Members shall handle MCTs with appropriate care and shall report any
damage or problems immediately.
Members encountering operating problems with an MCT shall immediately
cease use of that computer and report the condition to a supervisor as soon
as practical. The shift supervisor is responsible for reporting to CAPCOM
whenever a unit is taken out of service for MCT reasons.
Only approved cleaning materials provided by technical support staff shall be
used to clean MCT touch screens. No other items (e.g. tissues, paper
towels, clothing, hands), solvents, sprays, screen wipes, etc. shall be used to
clean touch screens.
The MCT shall be removed from the vehicle at the conclusion of duty in
extreme hot or cold weather, and when the vehicle is left with the county
shop or other vendor for repair or extended vehicle inactivity.
Each member will be held accountable for the care, use and custody of their
assigned MCT.

8.6

EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS TRAINING (EVOC)

All commissioned Operations/Services Deputy Sheriffs and Level 3 Reserves who operate a county
vehicle, shall undergo an emergency vehicle operations course. Captains and above are exempt
from EVOC training.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

9.1

UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT & APPEARANCE STANDARDS

Members wearing uniforms, on or off duty, or coming to or from work, shall wear a complete uniform
(in good condition).
The Sheriff or designee must approve changes in uniforms or equipment, presented by the relevant
Bureau Chief. Each Chief will have a more descriptive document (of the list) on file in their bureau,
available for view.
Each member shall have the above uniform items in sufficient quantity to maintain a proper and
professional appearance at all times while in uniform. Members not properly attired will be subject to
disciplinary actions. Responsibility for a daily uniform inspection shall be that of the immediate
supervisor.
In the event of a minor uniform discrepancy, it shall be at the discretion of the supervisor whether or
not to allow the member to commence their shift.
In the event of any major uniform discrepancy the supervisors shall not allow the member to
commence the tour of duty until the discrepancy has been rectified.
Repeat offenders of the uniform standards may meet with any disciplinary actions deemed
appropriate by the Sheriff, within the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement(s).

9.1.1

Equipment Required
Members will carry the following listed office-issued or approved equipment
and maintain it in good condition at all times.
A. One office-approved handgun
B. Badge and Identification Card
All uniformed personnel will wear the badge on the outer office garment
secured to a badge bracket and carry the proper identification card.
Plainclothes and off-duty personnel may carry the badge and must carry
the identification card. Only the authorized badge will be carried.
C. Handcuffs and Key
Peerless, Smith & Wesson, or equivalent, either gun metal or nickelplated, chrome finish.

9.1.2

Personal Appearance- Hairstyle Regulations
In order to present a neutral image to the public, conform to contemporary
community standards, and to maintain the appearance of office members as
recognizable law enforcement officers, the following hairstyle regulations are
adopted. This order applies to all members of the office
Subordinates and supervisors should be aware that this order is intended to
be subjective in its application; that is, the total appearance of the individual
is what we are judging. We would expect supervisors to judge the overall
appearance rather than focus on technical detail.

A. Men’s Hair Regulations
1. The bulk and length of hair must not interfere with the normal wearing
of a standard uniform hat or helmet.
2. The sides and back of the hair may be either tapered or block cut and
the back may extend to the shirt collar. Cut hair shall be proportioned
and stylish and may cover a small portion of the top of the ear.
Sideburns may extend to approximately the middle of the ear and will
be trimmed horizontally. No extreme hairstyles within the guidelines
will be permitted.
3. Mustaches are permitted, but the extreme styles below the corners of
the mouth in length or in bulk are not permitted. The remainder of the
face will be clean shaven.
B. Women’s Hair Regulations
1. Hair may be worn at a reasonable length commensurate with existing
styles.
2. The bulk and length of hair must not interfere with the wearing of a
uniform hat or helmet.
Bureau Chiefs may authorize non-regulation hairstyles for individuals working
assignments that necessitate unusual hairstyles.

9.1.3

Uniform Personal Appearance
Since the pride and professionalism of this office is conveyed to the general
public through the appearance of the individual uniformed deputy, each
deputy has the responsibility to project a superior uniform image or
appearance at all times. The following uniform appearance regulations are
outlined as a guide to members:
A. Shirts and trousers shall be clean and pressed in the usual or traditional
manner at the outset of each day’s tour of duty.
B. Uniform brass, buttons, badges, and other metal uniform parts shall be
clean and reasonably shined or polished, free of dirt, corrosion, and
tarnish.
C. Duty belts and accessories shall be reasonably polished black, and free
of raw or natural leather tones.
D. Duty shoes or boots shall be clean and polished as outlined under that
section.
It shall be the responsibility of the shift supervisor to insure that the foregoing
standards are met by individual members prior to the commencement of their
respective tours of duty. The inspection of uniformed members may be
conducted either formally or informally.

9.1.4

Uniform Attire – Court Appearance (District and Superior)
Uniformed members shall wear the office uniform when said uniform was
worn at the time of engaging in enforcement action that has led to the court
appearance in District Court. Uniformed members will wear a long-sleeve
shirt and tie when attending Superior Court.

Civilian Attire – Court Appearances: When appearing in court in civilian
attire, members of this office shall be clothed in appropriate business-like
attire. Shoes will be clean and polished. Weapons, handcuffs, badge,
ammunition holder, and other identifiable law enforcement equipment will be
out of public view.

9.1.5

Civilian Attire on Duty
All members on assignments which require wearing civilian clothes or where
such clothing is permitted, and all employees of this office, shall be clothed in
appropriate, business-like attire.
When wearing civilian attire, the suit coat or sport coat shall conceal all items
of law enforcement equipment (handcuffs, key rings, ammunition holders,
etc.) from normal public view. The Sheriff or his designee may, at his
discretion, loosen the plain clothes restriction.

9.1.6

Uniform and Accessories – Special Occasions
All uniformed members shall have a complete Class A uniform. The dress
uniform is to be worn as ordered by the Sheriff or designee for parades,
funerals, etc.

9.1.7

Administrative Dress Uniform
All personnel the rank of Captain or higher will be issued the Administrative
Dress Uniform which may be worn when authorized for formal occasions.

9.1.8

Badge Band – Death of Officer
In the case of an office member’s death, a ½ inch high black elastic band is
to be placed over the uniform badge in a horizontal fashion over the seal
across the center of the badge. Badge bands are to be worn for a period of
30 days following the funeral in remembrance of the office member who dies
in the line of duty. For all other deaths of office members, law enforcement
or correction officers (retired, active or other agency), the badge band will be
worn only until the funeral is completed. The band may be worn from the
date of death.

9.1.9

Tattoos, Piercings, and Body Art Modifications
All members are prohibited from displaying offensive body art, tattoo(s),
intentional scaring, mutilation, or dental ornamentation while on duty or
representing the office in any official capacity.
Tattoos that show above the shirt collar, except cosmetic tattoos for women,
are not permitted.
Visible body art/modifications and tattoos that could be interpreted as
offensive - words, numbers, symbols, initials or pictures - are not permitted.
This includes, but is not limited to; foreign objects inserted under the skin,
pierced, split or forked tongue, gauging, plugs or stretched out holes in the
ears.
Employees and volunteers shall not have any dental ornamentation. The use
of gold, platinum, silver, or other caps for the purposes of ornamentation are
prohibited. Teeth, whether natural, capped, or veneered, shall not be
ornamented with designs, jewels, initials, etc.

With the exception of pierced ears on female employees, body piercing of the
face, head, and mouth detracts from a professional appearance and is not
authorized for wear by any member when on duty or representing the office
in any official capacity. Earrings of any kind are not permitted on male
commissioned employees, except when assigned to the Drug Task Force.
Any other body piercing, which is not concealed by the authorized uniform or
plainclothes, is prohibited for wear by any personnel when on duty or
representing the office in any official capacity.

9.2

BULLETPROOF VESTS OR JACKETS

The Sheriff’s Office shall provide an approval threat Level 3A maximum coverage bulletproof vest to
all commissioned Operations Deputy Sheriffs and any other personnel approved by the Sheriff.
Puncture Resistant vests will be issued to all Corrections Deputies. At the minimum, it will be worn
whenever routinely involved:
A. In an arrest situation or where vests would be a reasonable safety device.
B. When directed by a supervisor in specific circumstances.
C. When involved in a pre-planned, potentially dangerous operation.
Exceptions:
1. When medical conditions may preclude the wearing of a vest but must be verified
in writing by a physician.
2. When duties are limited to courthouse, non-hazardous office functions.

9.2.1

Replacement of Soft Armor
Replacement of soft armor will be at five year intervals, or whenever the vest
life expectancy is determined otherwise.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

10.1 SELECTION PROCESS OF APPLICANTS
This policy will apply whenever the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office tests, screens, or otherwise
considers applicants for employment, in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission and Chief
Examiner, who also assure system fairness. The Commission and Chief Examiner system includes
defensible, minimum, employment standards and written, job-related tests of mental ability and
aptitude. The Chief Examiner also conducts a physical agility test for Deputy Sheriffs and
Corrections Deputies.

10.1.1

Lateral Entry
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office provides for lateral entry selection.
Provisions for lateral entry from outside agencies will be as determined by
the job classification and final selection by the relevant Chief or designee.

10.1.2

Affirmative Action
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will follow the county Affirmative Action
policy as it exists as an equal opportunity employer. This will include
consideration of qualified minority, female and disabled applicants.

10.1.3

TCSO Will Conduct a Background Check
The Sheriff’s Office will conduct pre-employment, background checks on all
prospective employees, prior to a final offer of employment, under
supervision of the Chief Services Deputy.
A. Pre-employment, background checks may include, an oral interview, a
criminal record check, fingerprints, polygraph, contact with prior
employers, behavior assessment screening and a physical agility test.
Candidates may be disqualified at any point during this process, should
disqualifying information be discovered.
B. Those receiving complete, pre-employment, background checks include
the following: (Note exception: Particular contract employees may have
a background conducted when directed by the Sheriff or Designee.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

All full-time employees.
All employees who want to convert from part-time to full-time position.
Reserve Deputies and Reserve Corrections Deputies.
All volunteers who work independently with enforcement power.
All volunteers who are seeking a paid position.
Corrections Deputies requesting transfer to Operations Deputy.

C. An additional, behavioral characteristics assessment will be given to
Reserves seeking paid employment and on those seeking change in
classification in employment.
D. The Agency will do an in-house check and NCIC III on ride-a-longs and
volunteers under supervision.

E. The Agency will do the complete, background check, except for the
polygraph and the behavioral assessment screening, on volunteers who
have minimal supervision and have computer access.
F. All prospective employees will sign a release of information ensuring
confidentiality to former employers and other references. A refusal to
sign the release of information will disqualify the applicant. The Sheriff’s
Office will follow RCW 4.24 concerning disclosure concerns.
G. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office may disqualify applicants who have
ever been convicted of a felony or committed a felonious criminal act,
exhibited recent use of non-prescription drugs, been terminated with
cause from recent employment, exhibit current emotional instability or
personality disorders, or refuse to submit to screening.
H. Other background information which may disqualify an applicant
includes, but is not limited to, misdemeanant conviction, repeated
misdemeanor or felony arrests not resulting in conviction, association
with known felons, or falsification of the employment (Personal History
Statements.)
I.

10.1.4

Corrections Bureau will complete an application process and NCICIII on
all volunteers and contracted staff.

TCSO Will Conduct Pre-Employment Medical Screening
For some positions, such as Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Deputy, the
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will physically screen candidates for
positions prior to a final offer of employment.
A. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will comply with A.D.A. regulations
regarding requests for medical information or the taking of any medical
examination by applicants.
B. In all cases, especially where the successful completion of a medical or
behavioral assessment examination is a requirement for employment
within the classified service, a conditional offer of employment will be first
tendered to the prospective applicant, prior to any such medical
examination. Successful completion of the medical examination process
will then allow such applicants to continue in the hiring process as a part
of the hiring eligible pool.

10.1.5

File Security
The completed background report and associated materials, if any, will be
retained in the office of the Sheriff’s Executive Aide.
The viewing of these files is strictly limited to those individuals directly
involved in the selection process of the applicant.

10.2 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/DIVERSITY AND
WORKPLACE EQUITY
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to ensure equal employment opportunity based
on ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation,
national origin, sex, marital status, age, disability or veteran status. The goals of the policy are:

1. To ensure fair treatment and non-discrimination in hiring, employment and
appointments and promotions, and
2. To provide compliance with State and Federal equal employment opportunity
requirements and regulations.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to building a diverse workforce which reflects the face of the
community we serve; honors and respects the beneficial and worthwhile differences and abilities of
all our employees and residents, and provides employees with opportunities, tools and support to
achieve their maximum potential.
To achieve workplace equity and inclusion, we will:
1. Seek to ensure that recruiting efforts result in applicant pools that contain a diverse
group of qualified applicants.
2. Make employment decisions based on job-related criteria and provide opportunities
for transfer and promotion.
3. Seek to provide a workplace free from harassment.
4. Promptly investigate employee complaints of discrimination or harassment.
5. Provide training to managers and staff to ensure that these policies and practices are
understood and implemented.
By creating a workplace where everyone can work towards their maximum potential, the Sheriff’s
Office will be better able to retain quality, productive employees, who will meet the mission and goals
of the Sheriff’s Office.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

11.1 BASIC ACADEMY TRAINING
It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office that all full-time, sworn Deputy Sheriffs shall complete the Basic
Law Enforcement Academy or Equivalency Academy, and receive a basic certificate issued by the
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission prior to exercising authority as a law
enforcement officer and begin attending the Academy within six (6) months of their date of hire,
except when assigned to the Office Field Training Deputy Program. In those instances, the deputy
without certification will be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a Field Training
Deputy or another certified deputy designated by the Office.
The training provided new members, is considered a continuation of the selection process whereby
efforts are made to screen out those who are lacking in proper aptitude. In all recruit training,
emphasis is placed on developing the reasoning, ability and judgment of each member.
Field training is a process by which an individual receives formal instruction on the job.

11.2 FIELD TRAINING
The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the importance of providing a sound foundation for newly sworn members.
All recruit deputies will be given every opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary
to become a competent and effective deputy sheriff.
All newly hired full-time, sworn personnel will undergo field training prior to assignment as a solo deputy by
completing a formalized field training program.

11.2.1

Selection of Field Training Deputies
Some criteria that may be considered in selecting Field Training Deputies:
ƒ

Three years police experience, or Corrections experience for
Correction Deputies;

ƒ

No disciplinary action during the past year;

ƒ

Good attendance record;

ƒ

Job skills, knowledge, and abilities.

11.3 FIRST-LEVEL SUPERVISORS
Every employee appointed or promoted to a first level supervisory position (Sergeant) must
successfully complete the basic 40-hour supervisory training approved by the Training Commission,
prior to or within one year of promotion.
In addition to records maintained by the Washington State Training Commission, Office training files
will reflect completion of the requirement. These records are maintained in the Training Office.

11.4 MID-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
Every employee appointed or promoted to a mid-management position (Lieutenant) must
successfully complete the 40-hour mid-management training approved by the Training Commission,
prior to or within one year of such appointment or promotion.
In addition to records maintained by the Washington State Training Commission, Office training files
will reflect completion of the requirement. These records are maintained in the Training Office.

11.5 ANNUAL TRAINING
Every regular deputy regardless of rank shall receive at least 24 hours training annually. Each
division should have a training plan in place for their particular employees. All training class outlines,
synopses, or lesson plans will be with the approval of the Sheriff or designee.
At least annually, all commissioned personnel below the rank of Captain will receive in-service
training on the agency’s use of force and deadly force policies. In-service training for less-thanlethal weapons should occur at least once every two (2) years.

11.5.1

Requirements to Successfully Complete Training
All participants in Thurston County Sheriff’s Office training courses must
actively participate in all aspects of the training to receive certification. Mere
attendance is not adequate to receive certification. If a member shows up for
training and is unable to participate in a course due to a temporary chronic
condition, they shall discuss this problem with the course instructor. The
instructor may exempt the member and will document such exemption to the
member’s supervisor.

11.5.2

The Lead Instructor Is the Deputy In Charge
The lead instructor at any Thurston County Sheriff’s Office training course
shall for the purposes of the course be considered the deputy in charge. This
designation shall be for assuring proper participation, demeanor, and safety.
If the instructor feels that a participant is not properly conducting oneself, is
disrupting training, is acting in an unsafe manner and/or presents oneself in a
condition unsuitable for training, the lead instructor may exempt that member
from that training course. The lead instructor shall forward a memo to the
appropriate bureau chief outlining the reasons for the action. If a member
refuses to recognize the authority of the lead instructor, the on-duty road
supervisor shall respond and shall inform the member of such authority and
may take such action as they deem appropriate, up to and including
exempting the member from participation in the training, or placing the
member on report, in order to maintain discipline in such instances. In cases
of lesser infractions, the lead instructor may document these infractions in the
form of a written memo that will then be forwarded to the member’s
supervisor. The supervisor shall act on the memo with the member and shall
then inform the instructor that action has been taken to remedy the situation.

11.6 TRAINING RECORDS
The Training Coordinator will give written notice of training by routing a notification of training
memo through the proper channels to the employees.

Personnel assigned to authorized training programs are required to attend all classes and other
activities, except under the following circumstances:
o

Illness;

o

Personal emergency;

o

Vacation;

o

Police business emergency; or

o

Authorized release from attendance.

The Training Coordinator shall be notified in all cases when a member is unable to attend training.
The member scheduled for training shall notify the on duty supervisor, the instructor, and the
Training Coordinator whenever unable to attend training.
Where training is mandatory by law, the Training Coordinator will make necessary arrangements
for make-up training.
All personnel completing training courses shall receive documentation of such and a copy of the
record shall be placed in the deputy's file.
Attendance rosters will be made on all in-house training.

11.7 LESSON PLANS
All TCSO sponsored in-service training programs shall require lesson plans. Lesson plans will be
required of all Office and non-Office instructors. These plans will include, at a minimum, the
following:
o

Guidelines and format for lesson plan development;

o

Credentials of the instructor or presenter;

o

A statement of performance objectives;

o

Content of training and specification of the appropriate instructional technique, such as
lecture, group discussion, panels or seminar;

o

Simulations (case study and role play);

Lesson plans will ensure that the subject to be covered is addressed completely and accurately
and is properly sequenced with other training materials. Instructors shall ensure that all periods of
instruction are adequately covered by a lesson plan outline.

11.7.1

Lesson Plan Development / Responsibility
Responsibility for proper lesson plan development rests with the Training
Coordinator.
Lesson plans shall be submitted to the Training Coordinator at least Thirty (30)
days prior to the training date. This process is to ensure that lesson plans are
consistent with Office guidelines, policies and procedures.
Lessons plans shall be maintained by the Training Coordinator.

11.8 TESTING PROCEDURES
Formal classroom instruction may include written examination. Questions will be derived from
instruction presented, shall have validity, and be job-related. .

11.8.1

Testing Format
The testing format may be a written exam or a performance exercise. Written
exams can include multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blank, or essay
questions. All testing will have a pass/fail cutoff score. A 70% grade will be
necessary to pass a training program. Personnel failing any written test shall be
given additional training in areas of deficiency and retested

11.8.2

Test Development
The development of any tests should be a cooperative effort between the instructor
and the Training Coordinator. Final approval of all test questions and format will be
the responsibility of the TCSO Training Coordinator.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

12.1 PROBATIONARY PERIOD
All newly hired employee probationary periods shall be for a period of one (1) year, from date of hire.
For internal promotions, the probationary period will be six (6) months from the date of appointment.
Newly promoted supervisors or mid-level managers failing probation will be reinstated to their
previous position, as per Civil Service Rule 8.070, and the current collective bargaining agreement.

12.2 WRITTEN PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Sheriff’s Office will cooperate and assist the Civil Service Commission, when requested, in the
promotional process specifications for testing; scheduling of dates, times and locations of tests; the
promotional process used. The job classification description promotional announcement is governed
through Civil Service Rules 5, 6, 7 and 8.

12.3 PROMOTION ADMINISTRATION
The Thurston County Civil Service Commission is responsible for the administration of the
promotional process for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office via competitive testing as outlined in
RCW 41.14.
The Undersheriff will have the responsibility and authority for administering the promotional process
within the office.

12.4 PROMOTION PROCEDURES
The procedures that are used by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office for promotions to positions in
this agency are governed by Civil Service Rules as outlined in Rule 6.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

13.1 PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
The performance evaluation system is used to assist in fair and impartial personnel decisions, and
with the maintenance and improvement of performance. It provides a guide for personnel
counseling, and facilitates proper decisions regarding probationary employees. It provides an
objective and fair means of recognizing individual performance, and identifies training needs.

13.1.1

Annual Evaluation
Each employee shall be evaluated by their immediate supervisor annually.
Employees will be evaluated using the evaluation system designated for their
respective job classification. Each employee shall be counseled at the onset
of the rating period by the supervisor responsible for rating such employee
and shall be provided a copy of the job performance dimensions on which
they will be evaluated. Additionally, they shall be provided a copy of the
rating scale to be used, containing general examples of behaviors that are
exceeding, meeting, and below job performance standards.
Evaluations will be based only on job performance that takes place during a
specific time period.
Every employee will be provided with a copy of their performance evaluation
review when they request one.
All performance evaluations shall be completed by March 1st of each year.

13.1.2

Employee Signature
Each employee shall read and sign their evaluation. The employee’s
signature will not constitute agreement or disagreement with the evaluation,
but only verify that the employee has read the evaluation.

13.1.3

Contested Evaluations
Any employee may contest the contents of an evaluation. That employee is
required to attach comments stating reasons for disagreement concerning
the rating(s) and/or narrative received. That attachment, along with the
evaluation, will be forwarded to the Bureau Chief for review. In the attached
comments, the employee may request a meeting with the Bureau Chief to
present their contested facts concerning the evaluation. After hearing the
employee’s position concerning the contested evaluation element(s), the
Bureau Chief will complete a review memorandum stating their position,
attaching said memorandum to the evaluation and forwarding the evaluation
with attachments to the Sheriff or Undersheriff for final disposition.

13.1.4

Retention Period
The retention period of performance evaluations will be in compliance with
state law (RCW 40.14.070).

13.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATING
Each evaluator will receive instruction concerning proper rating procedures and associated rater
responsibilities, will familiarize themselves with the performance dimensions to be assessed, and will
be prepared to counsel and comment on their employee’s performance.

13.3 PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES WILL BE EVALUATED
This policy applies to all supervisors and probationary employees.

13.3.1

Probationers Will be Evaluated
Probationary Operations Deputies will have an evaluation by their supervisor
at least once every month, after their initial training.
Criteria reviewed shall consist of those listed on the performance review
document. These criteria may include mutually agreed-upon action plans.
Only performance during the reviewing period will be considered.
Probationary Corrections personnel will be evaluated quarterly by their
supervisor.

13.3.2

Bureau Chiefs Will Review Evaluations
All probationary employee evaluations will be sent up the chain of command
to the Bureau Chief or designee. The Chief Deputy will review the evaluation
and have it placed in the employee’s personnel file.

13.4 PERSONNEL FILES
All personnel files will be kept within the office of the Sheriff’s Executive Aide.

13.4.1

Limited Viewing
Only authorized personnel shall be allowed to view another employee’s
personnel file. There is no limit to access of the employee’s own personnel
file, and they are free to make copies of their own personnel file.

13.4.2

Files To Be Kept Separate
Personnel files shall not include results from any medical tests, psychological
tests, or polygraph tests. Those results must be kept in a separate Medical
File, and that file is to be kept in a secure area, away from the personnel
files.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

14.1

PERFORMANCE RECOGNITION AWARDS

The Sheriff or his designee shall appoint an Awards Committee to receive and evaluate
recommendations for awards. This committee shall determine whether an award should be
presented and, if so, which award would be appropriate. This committee shall consist of seven (7)
members determined by the Sheriff or his designee and shall represent a cross-section of office
ranks and duty assignments. The Sheriff or his designee will select a member to serve as the
chairman of the committee. When a vacancy occurs on the committee, it will be filled by a member
of the same office rank and duty assignment, whenever possible. If a member of the Awards
Committee is under consideration for any award, that member shall be excused from the committee
for the period when this award is under consideration. The Sheriff or his designee may appoint an
ad hoc member to the committee of appropriate rank to serve on the committee in place of the
member being considered, for the period indicated.
Recommendations for awards will be forwarded in writing through the chain of command to the
chairman of the Awards Committee. These recommendations should include a memorandum from
the recommending members, a copy of any supporting documentation and any additional
information the committee should be made aware of pertaining to the recommendation. The
committee shall then evaluate the recommendation and determine whether an award should be
presented and, if so, which award would be appropriate. The chairman will then make a written
recommendation to the Sheriff or his designee, requesting an award be given.

14.1.1

Medal of Honor
This medal is awarded to office members who have been seriously injured or
killed while in the performance of duty, or who has been distinguished by
displaying exceptionally meritorious conduct. This award is established as
this state’s highest award for law enforcement, per RCW 41.72.020. All
nominations shall be forwarded to the Washington State Law Enforcement
Medal of Honor Committee and shall be in accordance with all policies and
procedures set forth. This award will be presented at an annual ceremony,
and presented in the form of a medal with ribbon, a ribbon bar and a
certificate. This award can be made posthumously to the representative of
the deceased. Should the action(s) taken result in the saving of the life of
another, a Lifesaving Award shall be awarded in conjunction with this medal.
The ribbon bar may be worn at the member’s option on the badge side of the
uniform shirt ½” above the uppermost points of the badge.

14.1.2

Meritorious Service Medal
This medal is awarded to office members for selfless act(s) of exceptional,
individual, conspicuous gallantry and heroism while engaged in law
enforcement action(s) at imminent risk of the member’s own life, knowing at
the time such risk exists, such act(s) not falling within the guidelines for the
Medal of Honor. The award will be presented at a ceremony, and presented
in the form of a medal with ribbon, a ribbon bar and a certificate. Should the
action(s) taken result in the saving of the life of another, a Lifesaving Award
shall be awarded in conjunction with this medal.

The ribbon bar may be worn at the member’s option on the badge side of the
uniform shirt ½” above the uppermost points of the badge.

14.1.3

Distinguished Service Medal
This medal is awarded to office members who distinguish themselves by
act(s) of personal bravery at significant risk of injury, while engaged in law
enforcement action(s). Such act(s); not falling within the guidelines for the
Meritorious Service Medal. The award will be presented at a ceremony and
presented in the form of a medal with ribbon, a ribbon bar and certificate.
Should the action(s) taken result in the saving of the life of another, a
Lifesaving Award shall be awarded in conjunction with this medal.
The ribbon bar may be worn at the member’s option on the name plate side
of the uniform shirt ½” above the name plate.

14.1.4

Purple Heart Medal
This medal is awarded to office members who receive a serious or lifethreatening injury in the performance of their duty. The award will be
presented at a ceremony, and presented in the form of a medal with ribbon, a
ribbon bar and certificate.
The ribbon bar may be worn at the member’s option on the name plate side
of the uniform shirt ½” above the name plate.

14.1.5

Lifesaving Award Pin
This award is for office members who take specific action(s) at the scene of
an event resulting in the saving of a human life. The award will be presented
at a ceremony, and presented in the form of a pin and certificate.
The pin may be worn at the member’s option on the name plate side of the
uniform shirt ½” above the name plate.

14.1.6

Certificate of Commendation
This award is for office members in recognition of a high degree of
competence and professionalism in the performance of their duties. This
includes exemplary conduct during a field incident or operation, outstanding
administrative work, the effective handling of a criminal investigation, the
organization of a new and beneficial office program, designing and
conducting a course of training, and commendable participation in any other
activity that improves the office’s functioning or brings credit upon the office
in any way.
The award will be presented at a ceremony, and presented in the form of a
certificate.

14.1.7

Citizen Commendation
This award is for any citizen who performs an act that jeopardizes their own
safety while assisting the Sheriff’s Office in the performance of a hazardous
task, or performs an act of exemplary service in support of the Sheriff’s Office
goals and objectives, or performs an act that jeopardizes their own safety
while attempting to save the life of another person.
The award will be presented at a ceremony, and presented in the form of a
certificate.

14.1.8

Letter of Recognition
This award is for office members who perform their duties in a manner that
demonstrates professionalism, devotion to duty, and dedication to the
Sheriff’s Office mission. This award is presented during shift briefings, and
presented in the form of a letter to the member signed by the Sheriff or his
designee. (NOTE: This is the only award recommendation that is not
reviewed by the Awards Committee.)

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

15.1 SPECIALIZED UNITS
Each specialized unit will be governed by a directive that details their operation, personnel
selection, and training requirements. The purpose of these policies is to outline and give
direction to all situations that require the call-out of the Specialized Units. Specialized units
shall be staffed for the duration of such assignment, as determined by the supervising Chief.
These details will also include unit procedures, where applicable.

15.1.1

Dive Rescue Team (DRT)
The Dive Rescue Team is the responsibility of the Chief Deputy of Services.
The Dive Rescue Team is a multi-discipline rescue and recovery team that is
trained in the following areas:
a. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA).
b. Swift water and flood rescue.
c. High angle/ low angle rope rescue.
Additional guidelines are provided for in the Dive Rescue Team Procedure
Manual maintained by the Team Leader. This manual reflects current
industry standards.
A. Dive Rescue Utilization Policy
It shall be the policy of this office that a Dive Rescue Team may be mobilized
in the following situations:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Possible or confirmed drownings.
Swift water or flood response.
High angle or other rope rescue incidents.
Any water-related incident or evidence searches.

B. Guidelines For Utilization
Some basic guidelines for determining if the Dive Rescue Team may be
utilized are:
a.
b.
c.
d.

15.1.2

The incident is water-related.
The incident requires technical rope use or climbing to facilitate.
The incident requires operation in flood or swift water.
The incident requires SCUBA operations.

Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.)
The SWAT Team is the responsibility of the Chief Deputy of Operations. The
Sheriff’s Office will have a system for control and governing the use of the
SWAT Team. These guidelines will be outlined in detail within the SWAT
Team’s Procedural Manual.

A.

SWAT Utilization Policy

It shall be the policy of this office that a tactical team may be mobilized in the
following situations:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
B.

Hostage incidents.
Barricaded suspect incidents.
Sniper incidents.
Riots or situations requiring chemical agents
High risk arrest situations, or as directed by the Sheriff or designee.
Guidelines For Utilization

Some basic guidelines for determining if the tactical team may be utilized are:
a. The suspect has committed a criminal act or is in a dangerous mental
condition.
b. The suspect is believed to be armed.
c. The suspect has refused to submit to arrest.
d. By the nature of the situation, an unacceptable risk is presented to
deputies or the public by using any other accepted means.

15.1.3

K-9 Unit
The Sheriff’s Office will have a system for controlling and governing the use
of K-9 units. These guidelines will be outlined in detail within the K-9 Unit
Procedure Manual.
A.

Utilization of K-9 Team
The utilization of a K-9 team will be governed by established
procedures of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

B.

Authorization of K-9 Team
Utilization of a K-9 team is through the authorization of the duty shift
supervisor.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

16.1 EXPLORERS
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office to sponsor an Explorer Post. Budget
constraints may be a consideration when deciding to sponsor the post.

16.1.1

Supervision of Explorers
The Explorer Post shall ordinarily be coordinated through the Services
Bureau. Advisors for the post shall be approved by the Sheriff or his
designee. The advisors shall be responsible for providing training
opportunities and assuring that post members comply with guidelines stated
in the Explorer Post Procedure Manual.

16.1.2

Explorer Charter
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post is chartered through the
Learning for Life, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America.

16.1.3

Explorer Operations
The operations of the Explorer post will be governed by the Explorer Post
Procedure Manual. The Explorer Post Procedure Manual will be adopted
only after approval by the Services Bureau Chief. Any changes to the
manual will need the same approval. All personnel will be required to follow
the provisions of this policy and the Procedure Manual. Refer to the
Procedure Manual for additional information on:
•
•
•
•
•

16.1.4

Explorer Equipment
Explorer Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Explorer Uniform Dress and Appearance Codes
Explorer Ride-Along Program
Additional Explorer and Advisor Requirements and Allowances

Explorer Equipment
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office Explorers are restricted from carrying
any equipment other than what is authorized by the Explorer Post Procedure
Manual or issued by the department.

16.1.5

Explorer Minimum Eligibility Requirements
All applicants to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post must
meet the following eligibility requirements:
1.

Be age 14 ½ or in the 9th grade.

2.

Open to both young men and young women.

3.

Maintain at least a “C” grade point average.

16.1.6

4.

Pass a background check and be found free from any criminal
involvement.

5.

Complete an Explorer Post application and turn it in at a post
meeting.

6.

Pass an oral board provided by post members.

Explorer Uniform Dress and Appearance Standards
All Thurston County Sheriff's Office Explorers will follow the Explorer Post
Procedure Manual as to its guidelines for uniform dress and appearance
standards.

16.1.7

Explorer Ride Along Program
The requirements for participating in the ride-along program are detailed in
the Explorer Post Procedure Manual

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

17.1 AGENCY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office agency organizational chart is maintained by the Administrative
Services Bureau of the Sheriff’s Office and updated during each payroll cycle.

17.2 RESERVE DEPUTIES
The Sheriff’s Office will have a system for controlling and governing the use of the Reserve Deputy
Unit. These guidelines will be outlined in detail within the Reserve Unit Procedures Manual.

17.2.1

Commission Status
The Reserve Deputies of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office are fully
commissioned law enforcement officers while wearing the Sheriff’s uniform,
consistent with Washington State laws. The uniform will be the same uniform
as regular deputies and will be equipped the same as full-time deputies.
Reserve Deputies will take direction from and be subordinate to full-time,
paid deputies, as well as management.

17.2.2

Selection Criteria
These deputies are required to meet the same selection criteria as regular
Thurston County Deputy Sheriff applicants, excluding the civil service test.

17.2.3

Basic Training
Reserve Deputies are required to graduate from a basic reserve training
program approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training
Commission. Upon successful completion of the basic course, the Reserve
Deputy will be commissioned by the Sheriff and will be certified by the
Training Commission.

17.2.4

Assignment
The Reserve Deputy will be assigned to a regular deputy on shift and will be
involved in the routine delivery of law enforcement and emergency services.
Whenever possible, Reserve Deputies will avoid involvement with situations
that would assure court presence. The purpose is to avoid conflicts with
Reserve Deputy’s personal, full-time employment, that may cause a Reserve
Deputy to put a job in jeopardy.

17.2.5

Firearms Testing
Reserve Deputies shall be tested and evaluated for firearms proficiency with
the same frequency and in the same manner as regular deputies performing
like functions.

17.2.6

Liability Protection
Liability protection for the Reserve Deputy will be the same as for the regular
deputy while the Reserve Deputy is performing authorized duties for this
Office.

17.2.7

Compliance With Rules and Regulations
Reserve Deputies are responsible for knowing and complying with the
Thurston County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputies Manual and Sheriff’s
Office Policy Manual.

17.2.8

Minimum Staffing Usage
Reserve Deputy Sheriffs will not be used by the Office to meet the minimum
staffing requirements on a shift or assignment.

17.2.9

Minimum Participation Requirements
Reserve Deputies will contribute a minimum number of hours a month and
attend the regular scheduled monthly Reserve Deputies’ meeting in order to
meet minimum requirements for this Office. The minimum hours requirement
is defined within the Reserve Procedures Manual.

17.2.10

Maximum Age
The maximum age of Reserve Service will be identical to the maximum
service age of regular deputies.

17.3 AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
Auxiliary personnel are volunteers who donate time to the Sheriff’s Office and are not given sworn
deputy duties or status. If they do wear uniforms, the uniforms will be clearly distinguishable and will
be consistent in appearance agency-wide. They will not supplant shift assignments or normal work
assignments for sworn deputies. Volunteers will be subject to a background investigation at the
discretion of the relevant Chief. Volunteers normally help us enhance community information,
education and other public services.
Each bureau utilizing auxiliary personnel will ensure formal training.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

18.1 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
Special Assignment openings and promotional opportunities shall be advertised via written
announcements, to include e-mail. Special assignments shall be staffed for the duration of such
assignment, as determined by the supervising chief.

18.1.1

Special Assignment Openings
1. It is the policy of this office to offer special assignment opportunities to all
qualified members who have completed their probationary period. Special
assignment openings will be announced in writing by posting the information
concerning said opening(s) on office bulletin boards located in the patrol,
detective, civil division, and by e-mail. Likewise, copies shall also be posted
on the Thurston County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association bulletin board. The
announcements will include all pertinent information concerning the
opening(s) and any required applicant response.
2. Corrections special duty assignments are appointed per TCCF internal
procedures manual.

18.1.2

Promotions
All promotions to classified positions within the office shall be accomplished
in accordance with the civil service rules. The Sheriff shall make promotions
to classified civil service positions from a certified list using the rule of one in
three.
When no certified list exists, promotional examination announcements will be
posted office-wide in accordance with the civil service rules and process.
Promotions to exempt or unclassified positions are at the sole discretion of
the Sheriff.

18.1.3

Special Assignment Positions
The following positions are considered special assignments. Special
assignments shall be filled by selected employees for the duration of such
assignment as determined by the affected Bureau Chief, at the time of
selection.
OPERATIONS:

Detective
Field Training Deputy
Marine Services Deputy
Reserve Coordinator
Field Training Coordinator
CERT Team Leader
CERT Team Member
SWAT Team Leader
SWAT Team Member

SERVICES:

Community Outreach Deputy
Civil Deputy
Dive Team Leader
Dive Team Member
Explorer Advisors

CORRECTIONS:

Correctional Options Program Deputy
Correctional Options Program Sergeant
Correctional Options Program Corrections Technician
Chemical Dependency Program Deputy
Court Deputy
Court Sergeant
Inmate Services Sergeant
Classification Deputy
Medical Liaison Sergeant
Medical Liaison Deputy

TRAINING DIVISION: EVOC Instructor
Firearms Instructor
DT Instructor
The positions of rank within each Bureau’s chain of command structure will
not be considered special assignments. All rank assignments within the
office will be made on the basis of office need.

18.1.4

Transfers
The Sheriff will make the final decision regarding the occurrence of transfers
and their duration. In all transfers to specialized assignments, the
requirements of the office will be the priority consideration.

18.1.5

Outside Assistance
Personnel will not request the aid of any person outside the office in securing
a transfer to another assignment or unit.

18.1.6

Requests for Transfer
All requests for transfer will be submitted through the chain of command and
will state the reason the transfer is requested.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

19.1 PUBLIC INFORMATION FUNCTION
The public information function is the responsibility of the Sheriff or designee for coordinating news
releases concerning policies, procedures, programs, and agency philosophies on specific issues.
Any member of the Sheriff’s Office may be assigned to respond to a media inquiry. We must always
keep in mind that we represent an expressed policy of openness and accessibility on the part of the
Sheriff’s Office and its administration. Our obligations are also to assist the media in acting
responsibly and in obeying pertinent statutes.
Details of the Public Information function are outlined in the Media Procedure, and should be
referenced when applicable.

19.1.1

Authorized Personnel
Besides the Sheriff and Undersheriff, personnel authorized to release
information to news media under the following categories are:
A. AT THE SCENE OF AN INCIDENT
1.
2.
3.
4.

Chief Operations Deputy
Chief Services Deputy
Detective Supervisor
Patrol Supervisor

B. FROM AGENCY FILES
1. Chief Operations Deputy
2. Chief Services Deputy
3. Administrative Captain
C. CONCERNING ON-GOING INVESTIGATIONS
1. Chief Operations Deputy
2. Detective Supervisor
D. CORRECTIONS RELATED MATTERS
1. Chief Deputy of Corrections
2. Corrections Captain
3. Corrections Supervisor

19.1.2

Issuance of Press Releases
Press releases will usually be completed by the relevant Bureau Chief or the
designated Public Information Deputy, and given daily by the designated PIO
when the media calls for items of general interest.

19.1.3

Release of Information
Media information will only be provided to persons working for bona fide
news media organizations.

19.1.4

Requests for Additional Information
Requests for additional information concerning crimes or events responded
to will be referred to the designated PIO. In his/her absence, they will be
referred to the relevant Bureau Chief.

19.2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS FUNCTION
The responsibility of the community relations function will be that of the Chief Services Deputy. In
addition, each office member is charged with developing and maintaining positive community
relations.

19.2.1

Community Relations
Law enforcement officers often perform in public, under circumstances that
could cause misunderstanding and/or misinterpretation of law enforcement
activities. Witnesses and participants are influenced by their preconceptions
and biases when they evaluate law enforcement action. This can lead to
incidents that cause resentment of all law enforcement action, no matter how
legitimate. If the public understands and appreciates the nature of the law
enforcement task, they can better judge whether law enforcement officers are
serving the community. As part of the process of the law enforcement/public
communication, the public needs information about the nature of the law
enforcement role in order to develop an understanding. Public acceptance of
activities that are an essential part of routine law enforcement duties will then
be understood.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

20.1 COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION AND COOPERATION
At supervisor’s discretion, all patrols shifts will hold a briefing prior to the commencement of
scheduled duties. Information that is to be passed on to patrol shifts will be accomplished by either
an oral, written or computer-generated briefing from the shift supervisor(s) and/or shift commander.
Communications with the other units of this office will usually be accomplished in writing, by oral
communication, fax, E-mail or other computer-related methods of communication, or posted on the
office bulletin board. We need to be an agency that remembers to communicate from all directions
and assure people affected are not left out of the loop of information-sharing. Supervisors are
responsible for making their subordinates aware of communications.
The Corrections Bureau will follow their internal procedures manual and e-mail and staff lounge
board information sharing.

20.2 PATROL SHIFTS
Patrol Division Schedule Structure – This policy applies to all patrol division personnel working
uniformed patrol, and is established per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

20.2.1

Patrol Deputies Will be Assigned to Shifts as Needed
Deputies will normally be assigned to specific shifts, and the deputies will be
assigned where needed by the Shift Supervisor. The work shift will be set in
accordance with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

20.2.2

Patrol Districts
The unincorporated county is divided into patrol districts. Deputies will be
assigned to shifts and districts based on current personnel, and division
needs.

20.2.3

Shift Supervisor Responsible For Shift Administration
Administrative duties such as leave requests, staffing levels, Telestaff,
training requests, procedure writing, citizen complaints, discipline, and other
duties will be handled by the Shift Supervisor.

20.3 COMMAND AND CONTROL IN THE FIELD
This policy applies to all employees, supervisors, and situation commanders.

20.3.1

Initial Deputy on the Scene is in Command Until Relieved
The first Deputy to arrive at any field situation will assume control until
relieved by a supervisor. If a more senior Deputy arrives prior to the
supervisor, the supervisor may direct the more senior or experienced Deputy
to take command and control until the supervisor arrives.

20.3.2

Supervisors Will Respond to All Major Field Situations
Unless already tied up on a priority incident, supervisors are responsible for
the handling of field incidents and situations that arise during the shift. A
supervisor will respond to all serious felonies (i.e. robberies, rapes, serious
assaults, homicides, and major property crimes), civil unrest and alleged hate
crimes, injury to or by a Deputy, damage to Office vehicles or facilities,
emergencies in the jail, lost or missing children, suspicious or unusual
deaths, natural disasters, and any situation requiring the call-out of S.W.A.T.,
Detectives, Dive or Search and Rescue units and any other situation deemed
necessary.

20.3.3

Supervisor Will Take Command Upon Arrival
Upon arrival, and after being fully briefed on the situation, the supervisor will
assume command and control of the situation. The supervisor will evaluate
the situation and determine if any additional personnel or special units are
needed. The supervisor may request a command level deputy at the scene if
necessary.

20.4 INVESTIGATIONS
This policy applies to all personnel who receive or respond to calls for service.

20.4.1

Initial Investigation by Patrol Deputies
The Patrol Division has the responsibility of responding and investigating
initial calls for service that are given to or observed by on-duty Deputies
during their shifts. Other employees may take initial investigations that they
become aware of if appropriate to their assigned duties.

20.4.2

Primary Investigations Need to be Thorough
The initial investigation of crimes needs to be as complete as possible to
improve the chance of solving the crime and apprehending the perpetrators.
Deputies should make as thorough an investigation as workload and time
constraints allow.

20.4.3

Further Investigation May be Required
If the initial investigation cannot be completed by the assigned Deputy, the
investigation may be assigned for additional investigation as a follow-up.
Patrol Deputies will normally follow-up on misdemeanor and minor felony
cases. Refer to Operational Directive: Follow-up Investigations by Patrol
Deputies. Major felony or complex cases will normally be assigned to the
Detectives for follow-up.

20.5 FIELD INTERVIEWS
Field interviews are a valuable investigative tool. Where practical, members of this office will
conduct and record field interviews. These interviews will be conducted in a professional manner.

20.5.1

Documentation
The original document will be forwarded to the Records Division. The copy
will be reviewed by the supervisor for consideration of assignment or other
disposition. Field interviews are currently documented on warning citations,
and commonly used for traffic, trespass incidents, suspected drug violation
contacts.

20.6 INFORMANTS
In order to obtain information and evidence regarding criminal activities, it may be necessary that the
Office utilize undercover operators. Such operators shall not engage in entrapment, nor shall they
commit any criminal act or omit to perform any duty imposed by law which constitutes a crime.

20.6.1

Cultivation of Informants
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office encourages all commissioned
personnel to cultivate informants that will assist the office in an effort to
gather criminal intelligence, prevent incidents of a criminal nature, and solve
crimes.

20.6.2

Compensation
Oftentimes, reliable informants must be monetarily compensated for their
assistance and information. However, prior to spending any of the
Investigative Fund monies, it is required that the requesting deputy obtain
prior approval from their supervisor each time any monetary transactions will
be occurring. The Operations Bureau Chief controls the Investigative Fund
and disperses money upon approval from the deputy’s supervisor.

20.6.3

Security
Prior to dispersing any money from the Investigative Fund, the informant will
be identified to the Detective Lieutenant for the purpose of recording the
transaction in the ledger book. An investigative case number or a major case
number will be obtained and recorded in the ledger indicating the purpose of
the transaction.
Confidential informant information will be maintained under the highest
security by the Detective Lieutenant, in a locked file cabinet. Access to
information regarding confidential informants will be limited to a “need-toknow” basis. Access to information regarding confidential informants may be
given only by the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Operations Bureau Chief, or the
Detective Lieutenant.

20.7 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Effective communications are essential to law enforcement. However, communications systems are
only as effective as the people who operate them. For this reason, it is essential that members
comply with established procedures and regulations in this area.
All Office communications, including radio, telephone, teletype, and mail are reserved for official
business and personal use shall be kept to an absolute minimum and incur no cost to the county.

20.8

NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN

It shall be the responsibility of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to, in a courteous and
compassionate manner, make notification to the next of kin in cases of death, injury or serious
occurrence of or to a member, whether on or off duty, while in performance of their sworn duties.

20.8.1

Office Personnel
It shall be the responsibility of the Sheriff or designee to notify the next of kin
in the event of death, injury or serious occurrence (illness included) of or to
an office member.

20.8.2

Notification and Support
The notification will be made in person. The person making the notification
will, if requested by the person being notified, to arrange for some kind of
emotional support for the person being notified. This support includes, but is
not limited to the Office chaplain(s), psychologist and/or other personnel as
requested.

20.8.3

Notification of Sheriff
It shall be the responsibility of the shift supervisor to notify, through the chain
of command, the Sheriff or designee of the incident.

20.8.4

Release of Information to Media
The name of the deceased/injured/involved Deputy or other office member
shall not be released to the news media and/or public until all survivors
residing in the immediate area are notified.
A. Survivors are the immediate family members of the deceased and/or
injured member, to include spouse, children, parents, siblings, fiancée,
and/or significant other (to include ex-spouse as may be deemed
appropriate).

20.8.5

Emergency Notification Form
Each office employee should complete an emergency notification form so
that the Administration is aware of the wishes of the employee and can notify
the appropriate individuals in emergency situations. The office will adhere to
the written wishes of the employee as previously documented on the form, as
best as is possible to accomplish.
A.

These forms will be kept at the Sheriff’s Office in the individual
employee’s personnel file.

B.

It will be in an envelope which may be sealed if the employee so
desires.

C.

It shall be the responsibility of the individual employee to keep the form
current.

D.

If said employee decides not to complete a form, the Sheriff and/or
designee will make any notification decisions.

20.8.6

Appointment of Member Support
The Sheriff or designee shall appoint one or more members to provide the
survivor(s) with the needed support services.
A. These services shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Transportation to and from the hospital and/or funeral
home/cemetery.
2. Coordination of survivor benefits.
3. Media relations liaison.
4. Emotional support and assistance.
5. Victim assistance liaison.

20.8.7

General Public
It shall be the responsibility of the Thurston County Coroner to make next of
kin death notifications to or for the general public. The Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office may be called upon to assist.

20.8.8

Notification by Members
In the event that members are directed to make said notifications, they shall
do so in a professional and compassionate manner. This shall also apply to
incidents of serious injury and/or occurrence.

20.8.9

Notification of Serious Injury/Occurrence
In the event of a serious injury or occurrence, the Shift Supervisor shall
determine the appropriate individual to make the notification.

20.8.10

Out-of-County Notification
If an out-of-county notification of death or serous injury/illness is requested,
the request shall be verified and documented. The Shift Supervisor shall
determine the appropriate person to make said notification.

20.9

24-HOUR PER DAY COVERAGE

20.9.1

Leaving Area of Service
When a deputy leaves his/her assigned area, the on-duty supervisor and
CAPCOM will be advised. Deputies will return to their assigned area as soon
as possible and will remain responsible for area calls when out of the area.

20.9.2

Alternate Response to Calls
When a deputy is out of position to quickly respond to a call in their assigned
area, or another deputy is closer to the call and volunteers to take the call,
the Shift Supervisor will be responsible for deciding which unit will respond to
the call.

20.9.3

Crime Scene Responsibilities
Upon arrival at a minor or major crime scene, Deputies shall:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

20.9.4

Protect the crime scene
Render first aid to injured parties.
Arrest the suspect(s), if present.
Gather initial information from victim(s)/witnesses.
Advise the supervisor of any needed assistance.

Felony-in-Progress Calls
A. The response and actions in felony in-progress calls must be decided
based upon the individual incident since a standard rule does not apply to
all occasions. The Shift Supervisor is responsible for the proper
response and actions by deputies in these situations.

20.9.5

Robbery or Silent Alarm Response
A. Assignment of responding personnel to robbery or alarm situations will be
governed by the details known to the CAPCOM dispatcher and deputies
at the time of the call.
B. Deputies should be as familiar as possible with alarmed buildings and
potential robbery sites within their normal patrol areas. The safety and
well being of innocent civilians who are the victims of crime in these
situations shall be the top priority of Deputies. The apprehension of
suspects, recovery of property, and other factors involved will be of
secondary consideration.
C. Deputies should be mindful to avoid creating a hostage situation by
taking any action to force a suspect back inside a robbery scene. Rather,
deputies should not jeopardize citizens and may consider staying out of
sight until a safe apprehension can be effected.

20.9.6

Bomb Threat Incidents
It is the policy of this office to handle each incident as an actual bombing
attempt until such time as sufficient evidence exists to the contrary.

20.9.7

Deceased Person Calls
It is the policy of this office that these calls will be classified in two categories;
deaths from natural causes and deaths from other than natural causes.

20.9.8

Summoning of Paramedics
Paramedics will be summoned to death scenes by deputies, unless there is
decapitation, postmortem lividity or obvious signs of rigor or algor mortis of
the body in question.
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office that deputies shall not
routinely respond to Fire Service calls unless a legitimate law enforcement
situation exists. Examples of such situations may include, but are not limited
to: actively unruly or violent individuals who present a danger to fire service
personnel, individuals who are armed, dangerous animals and crime scenes.

20.9.9

Determination of Death – Natural Causes
Once it is determined that a death has occurred, and that it is a result of
natural causes, deputies will contact the Coroner’s Office and refer the case
to them.

20.9.10

Authorization to Remove Body
The Coroner will be contacted, and authorization will be sought to remove the
body. If no relatives can be contacted, determination of where the body will
be sent shall rest with the Coroner.

20.9.11

Determination of Death – Not by Natural Causes
Once it is determined that a death has occurred, and that it is a result of
causes other than natural, deputies will treat the incident as a homicide.
A. The crime scene will be protected.
B. The appropriate investigative and staff personnel will be notified by the
Shift Supervisor.
C. A determination will be made as to whether a crime has been committed.

20.9.12

Arrest, Booking
When a crime is committed, employees are to initiate a prompt and thorough
investigation and to make every reasonable effort to identify and arrest the
violator. In carrying out these responsibilities, employees will not infringe
upon the constitutional rights of any person.
A. Normally all Deputies shall conduct a “patdown” search at the scene of
the arrest. Searches of this nature should be conducted by a Deputy of
the same sex as the prisoner, whenever practicable.
B. Prior to entering any security area of the jail, all deputies will secure their
weapons. No one except the deputy(s), transporting deputy(s), booking
and identification deputy(s), (if applicable), and the prisoner shall be
allowed in the booking area. No witnesses, victims, friends, or relatives
of the prisoner shall be allowed into the security area of the jail.
C. Prisoners of opposite sex will not be placed in a cell together.
D. Prisoners will not be allowed to smoke in transit.
E. Deputies shall advise radio when transporting prisoners and that advisory
shall include their destination, unless security is a consideration for
concern.
F. The driver of the vehicle used to transport a prisoner shall immediately
after such delivery search the transporting vehicle for weapons and
evidence.

20.9.13

Treatment of Individuals Under Arrest
Reasonable medical treatment will be provided when necessary when the
person taken into custody is ill or injured.

20.9.14

Use of Force in Making an Arrest
In the event that force is used and an individual is injured by a member of this
office, the individual will be closely screened by the arresting deputy. If there
is any question as to the health of the individual, aid personnel may be called
to the scene before the individual is transported.

20.9.15

Searches of Prisoners
Any strip search or body cavity search will be accomplished at the County
Jail in accordance with their procedures, or as directed and outlined by a
Search Warrant.
It is the duty of the arresting deputy to determine that the prisoner possesses
no weapons, or anything that could be used as a weapon. If for any reason
the prisoner cannot be thoroughly searched before being turned over to
another deputy, the arresting deputy will, without fail, make this act known to
the person receiving the prisoner.

20.9.16

Advising Suspects of Their Rights
Deputies are responsible for advising suspects of their constitutional rights,
when required by current case law. Advising of rights must also take place
prior to any custodial interrogation or the taking of any oral, written, or tape
recorded statements from suspects.

20.9.17

Notification of Legal Rights of Victims of Violence and
Sex Offenses
Members will supply a listing of the rights, pursuant to RCW 7.69.030, to
child and adult victims of sexual and violent crimes.

20.9.18

Volunteered Statements
Volunteered and spontaneous statements by suspects are admissible as
evidence and need not be preceded by a warning. However, any follow-up
questioning initiated by a Deputy will be preceded by the proper warning.

20.9.19

Processing Persons in Custody
In the arrest, transportation, and detention of suspects, deputies will take
precautions to prevent escape, injury to themselves and others, or damage to
property. When making an arrest, they will search suspects carefully and will
immediately take possession of all weapons and evidence. All prisoners will
be handcuffed at the time of arrest, whenever possible. Any time a prisoner
is to be transported, the prisoner will be handcuffed. Neglecting to handcuff
transported prisoners will be the responsibility and sole liability of the deputy
who made the decision, and may subject the employee to disciplinary action.
A deputy making an arrest will transport the arrested individual or cause
him/her to be transported to the jail to be booked, as soon as possible.
A deputy making an arrest is charged with the responsibility of determining
whether the individual arrested is to be booked or released without full
processing, and without having to post bail. It is important, therefore, that
individuals be carefully screened to determine their eligibility, and secondly,
that the identifying data obtained from them is accurate and complete.

Juveniles not involved in the specific case for which an arrest has been made
will not be transported in the same vehicle as an adult arrestee. Violation of
this rule will be grounds for disciplinary action.

20.9.20

Field Release
Adults charged with general misdemeanor offenses (other than traffic
infractions), who are residents of this county or nearby areas, and who are, in
the opinion of the arresting deputy eligible for field release may be issued a
citation. Such persons may be released in the field without further
processing.
Prior to release, the event number must be entered on the citation. The
subject will be given a copy of the citation

20.9.21

Warrants
In applying for and executing warrants, employees will abide by relevant
statutes and office procedures. In serving warrants on individuals,
employees will proceed to secure custody of the individual(s) in an efficient
manner and with due regard for safety. When serving a warrant out of our
jurisdiction, employees will notify the controlling law enforcement agency of
the intention to serve the warrant and request their cooperation.

20.9.22

Execution of Warrant
The warrant will be executed within the time limits set by the judge and
returned to the court. The appropriate copies will be provided to the
individual suffering the search or left on the premises. The original Search
Warrant should be shown to the individual suffering the search, when
applicable.

20.9.23

Approval for Search Warrant
No member of this office shall apply for any Search Warrant without
knowledge and approval of the Shift Supervisor of the shift or division to
which they are assigned.

20.9.24

Response to Product Tampering
It is the policy of this office to respond to information about product tampering
so as to protect the safety of the public. We have the general duty of
protecting the residents and citizens in our jurisdiction. We should see that
medical or other assistance is rendered to victims, provide security for any
crime scene, preserve evidence, and notify the appropriate government
agencies and businesses.

20.9.25

Hazardous Material Incident
A. Such incidents often involve a serious threat to life or property. It is the
policy of this office that evacuation of potential victims shall be
considered the highest priority.
B. Upon receiving information that a hazardous materials incident has
occurred, the Shift Supervisor will respond to coordinate with the Fire
Department and other agencies. The prime responsibility is to establish
a perimeter around the site large enough to eliminate the possibility of
exposure to citizens and office personnel.

20.9.26

Lock-Out Calls
Deputies of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will not respond to assist
citizens who have locked their keys in their vehicles unless there are
emergent or exigent circumstances. People who request this service should
be instructed to call a local locksmith of their own choosing. Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office personnel will not call a locksmith for people needing that
service.
Emergency or exigent circumstances include a car with a child locked inside;
a running vehicle in a hazardous location; a single person alone late at night
or in very inclement weather. Dispatch should determine the circumstances
before automatically denying the service.

20.9.27

Sexual Offender Notification
RCW 9A.44.130 authorizes a public law enforcement agency to release
“relevant and necessary information regarding sex offenders to the public
when the release of the information is necessary for public protection.”
Once information relating to a sexual predatory offender is received from the
state or any other source, several levels of dissemination should be
considered depending upon the risk that the offender poses to the
community.

20.9.28

Hate Crimes
It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the state
and federal rights of all individuals irrespective of their race, color, religion,
ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical or
sensory handicap. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage,
harassment, intimidation or other crimes designed to infringe upon these
rights are viewed seriously by the Sheriff’s Office. This agency will use all
available resources to identify the perpetrators, and take appropriate
enforcement action.
Also, each deputy must be sensitive at recognizing the particular fears and
distress typically suffered by victims of these crimes, the potential for reprisal
and escalation of violence and the possible far-reaching, negative
consequences of these acts on the community and the agency.

20.9.29

Definitions
A. Hate Crime: Any unlawful action designed to frighten, harm, injure,
intimidate or harass an individual, in whole or in part, because of a bias
motivation against the actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical or sensory
handicap. Burns a cross on property of a victim who is or whom the actor
perceives to be of African American heritage; or defaces property of a
victim who is or whom the actor perceives to be of Jewish heritage by
defacing the property with a swastika.
B. Race: A group of persons who possess common physical characteristics
(e.g. color of skin, eyes and/or hair, facial features, etc.) genetically
transmitted by descent and heredity that distinguish them as a distinct
division of humankind.

C. National Origin: A group of persons of the same race or national origin
who share common or similar traits, languages, customs and traditions.
D. Religious Group: Any persons who share the same religious beliefs
regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or
nonexistence of a supreme being.
E. Sexual Orientation: for the purposes of this section means
heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
F. Mental, Physical or Sensory Handicap. (See RCW 9A.36.080
Malicious Harassment)

20.10 RACIAL PROFILING
The purpose of this policy is to set forth the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office commitment to
unbiased policing, to set forth those circumstances in which deputies can consider race/ethnicity
when making law enforcement decisions, and to provide guidance in procedures that serve to
assure the public that we are providing service and enforcing laws in an equitable way.

20.10.1

Condemnation
No person shall be singled out or treated differently as a consequence of
his/her race/ethnicity. All investigative detentions, traffic stops, arrests,
searches and seizures of property, and asset seizure and forfeiture
proceedings, will be based on a standard of reasonable suspicion or
probable cause as required by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution, Article 1, Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution, as
well as relevant statutes or case law. Deputies must be able to articulate
specific facts and circumstances that support reasonable suspicion or
probable cause for traffic stops, investigative detentions, arrests, or search
and seizures.
Except as herein provided, deputies shall not consider race/ethnicity in
establishing either reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Deputies may,
however, take into account the reported race/ethnicity of a specific person
based on credible or reliable information that links specific suspected
unlawful activity to a particular individual or group of associated individuals of
a particular race/ethnicity, in the same way they would use specific
information regarding age, height, weight, etc. Race/ethnicity can never be
used as the sole basis for probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

20.10.2

Preventing Perceptions of Racially Biased Policing
In an effort to prevent perceptions of racially biased policing, deputies shall
utilize the following strategies when contacting individuals:
1. Be courteous and professional.
2. Introduce themselves and explain to the person the reason for the
contact as soon as practical, unless providing this information will
compromise the investigation or the safety of deputies or other
persons.
3. Ensure that the length of the contact is no longer than necessary
to take appropriate action for the known or suspected offense and
that the person understands the purpose of reasonable delays.

4. Answer any questions the person may have, including explaining
options for the disposition of traffic citations, if relevant.
5. Provide your name and call sign when requested.
6. Apologize and/or explain if it is determined that the person
contacted is not involved or was mistakenly identified.

20.10.3

Violations
Any reported violations of this policy will be investigated and may result in
disciplinary actions consistent with established office policy.

20.10.4

Supervisor’s Responsibility
Supervisors shall ensure all personnel of their command are familiar with the
content of this policy and are operating in compliance.

20.05

Training
The Sheriff’s Office will provide training regarding racially biased policing to
include current issues, trends, and legal updates. The purpose of this
training will be to not only communicate the prohibition against racially biased
policing, but to also provide staff with information regarding how the public
perceives law enforcement practices as being biased based.

20.10.6

Review
An annual review of this policy and racially biased policing in general will be
completed by the Undersheriff and the Chief Deputy of Operations. The
review shall include documentation of training, any racially biased policing
issues which were addressed during the review period, and any complaints
alleging racially biased policing.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

21.1 JUVENILE ARRESTS
Investigations involving juveniles do not differ from any other investigation in terms of either
technique or procedure, except as provided below. For juveniles who have not violated the law but
who are runaways, or dependent, or neglected children, deputies should take necessary action to
protect the juvenile’s welfare, consistent with RCW 13.32A, 13.34, and/or 26.44.050.
Matters involving the investigation of juvenile delinquency and/or dependency shall be the
responsibility of the Operations Bureau, as directed by that Bureau Chief.

21.2 RELEASE OF JUVENILES
In considering the release of juveniles, a deputy will determine the facts of the case, obtain all
necessary report information, and will see that the juvenile can be released to the proper person. In
the event that the parent or guardian cannot respond or be immediately located, the juvenile will be
transported to a designated Child Protective Services location where the juvenile will be housed until
the parent or guardian can be located. The juvenile may be released at the discretion of the shift
supervisor to some other adult or relative, or be placed in the Youth Service Center if the juvenile is
being detained for a criminal offense. Unless ordered by a court, no juvenile shall be released to
themselves.

21.3 REFERRAL TO INTAKE
The Sheriff’s Office will refer juveniles to intake under the following criteria.

21.3.1

Felony Arrests
Where probable cause exists to believe a juvenile has committed a felony
crime, the investigating deputy(s) will submit reports that accurately and
completely articulate all of the facts and elements that support the charge. All
juveniles arrested for felony offenses will be transported to the Thurston
County Youth Services Center for processing. The case will then be
forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for their consideration
and disposition.

21.3.2

Gross Misdemeanors and Misdemeanors
All gross misdemeanors and misdemeanor cases shall be submitted to the
Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for their consideration and disposition,
where probable cause exists to believe a juvenile has committed an offense.

21.3.3

Completion of Juvenile Intake Report
The arresting deputy will follow current procedures for booking juveniles, as
outlined by the Thurston County Youth Services Center.

21.3.4

Notification of Parents/Guardian
The arresting Deputy shall, in all cases, inform the juvenile’s parents or
guardian of the circumstances of the arrest, as soon as practical.

21.4 PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
The Sheriff’s Office will take juveniles into custody whenever the juvenile has been harmed or is in
danger of being harmed, and under circumstances authorized by state law. It is the policy of the
Sheriff that all Thurston County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement deputies will follow any current
juvenile custody laws of the State of Washington.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office policy is that a deputy will take a juvenile into custody as a Youth at
Risk if the juvenile is absent from parental custody without consent (which is required by RCW
13.32A.050); or the deputy reasonably believes, considering the juvenile’s age, location and time of
day, that the juvenile is in circumstances which constitute a danger to the juvenile’s safety; or the
agency legally required to supervise the juvenile has reported the juvenile runaway from placement;
or the court has issued an order to take the juvenile into custody for violation of a placement order.
The juvenile taken into custody by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office shall be informed of the reason
for such custody and transported home, to a designated crisis residential center or the home of a
responsible adult. The name, address and telephone number of the parent, adult or agency
accepting responsibility for the release shall be documented in the custody report, as well as
verification that notice of appropriate services in the community has been completed. [Refer to
RCW 13.32A.060(1)].
If a deputy places the juvenile with a responsible adult, other than the parent, the Department of
Social and Health Services shall be immediately notified of the placement and the reason for taking
the juvenile into custody. [Refer to RCW 13.32.070(1)].

21.5 JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
The Sheriff’s Office will assure constitutional advisement of rights to juveniles, prompt placement in
the juvenile facility, and system explanation to juveniles prior to interview or interrogation.

21.5.1

Advisement of Rights
All juveniles who have been taken into custody for a criminal offense shall be
advised of their constitutional rights to counsel. Full Miranda notification shall
be given, when necessary. The juvenile rights warning will be included in this
advisement.

21.5.2

Administering of Medical Treatment
If, at the time the juvenile is taken into custody, an injury or medical problem
is evident, medical treatment will take precedence over the investigation.

21.5.3

Incarceration
If a juvenile is to be incarcerated or placed out of the home, the action will
take place as soon as practical.

21.6

JUVENILE RECORDS

The Chief Services Deputy is responsible to ensure that practices and procedures are established
and followed pursuant to RCW 13.50. The collection, dissemination, and retention of juvenile
information will be accomplished in accordance with the following provisions:

21.6.1

Collection
The collection of juvenile information by means of reports, field interviews,
and arrest records.

21.6.2

Dissemination
Dissemination of juvenile records is governed by RCW 13.50, RCW 10, and
the Juvenile Justice Act.
Access to juvenile records is restricted to a need-to-know basis only.
Information will only be released to criminal justice agencies who are
authorized under state law to receive juvenile arrest information. Information
pertaining to the name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and
parents’ name is released to victims who are eligible to receive such
information for the purpose of restitution. Juveniles who are arrested and
their parents are permitted access to their own record upon demand to verify
that record.

21.6.3

Retention
Retention of juvenile records is governed by the State General Records
Retention Schedule, reference RCW 40.14.070 and WAC 414-24-050.

21.6.4

Expungement
The expungement of juvenile records is governed by RCW 13.50.010
through 13.50.150.

21.6.5

Sealing and Destruction of Juvenile Records
It is the policy of this office to comply with the minimum requirements of RCW
13.50.050 for the sealing and destruction of juvenile records.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

22.1 UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE PLANNING
Planning preparedness should be considered flexible enough to meet the demands of any given
emergency operation, whether it be multiple law enforcement responses and/or an established
incident command. However, nothing shall restrict a member from deviating from this guideline
when a particular situation requires reasonable alteration. Justification may be required at the
conclusion of the incident. Unusual occurrence response planning will be the responsibility of the
various Chiefs as follows:

22.1.1

Chief Deputy of Operations
Hostage situations
Barricaded persons
Sniper incidents
Bomb threats
School district unusual incidents
Major criminal death scenes
Roadway haz-mat spills and explosions
Human viral agent medical threats
Multiple vehicle collisions
Civil disturbances and demonstrations
Mass arrest functions:
♦ Athletic events
♦ Parades/races
♦ Fireworks displays
’ Terrorist incidents
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22.1.2

Chief Deputy of Corrections
’ Jail response plan:
♦ Riots
♦ Escapes
♦ Emergency evacuation
’ Mass arrest booking and housing

22.1.3

Chief Deputy of Services
’ Natural and manmade disasters, such as, but not limited to:
♦ Aviation, marine and railway accidents
♦ Fires
♦ Power Failures
♦ National emergencies
♦ Nuclear emergencies
♦ Search and Rescue operations
♦ Earthquakes
♦ Volcanic eruptions
♦ Flooding
♦ Dam failure
♦ Windstorms
♦ Ice and hail storms
♦ Mudslides

♦
♦

22.1.4

Building collapses
Pipeline leaks and explosions

Planning Consideration Should be Given to Identify
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Planning assumptions, i.e. problems we might encounter in planning
Hazard identification and vulnerability analysis (HIVA)
Emergency support functions (ESF’s)
And possible appendices, such as:
♦ Acronyms
♦ Terms and definitions
♦ Authorities and directives
♦ Letters of agreement
♦ Memos of understanding
♦ Mutual aid agreements
Mitigation issues
Financial impacts
Preparedness activities
Response activities
Recovery activities
Current organizational chart
Emergency mobilization plan, policy 24.5
Time sheet completion to document human resources
Photographing and/or video-taping on the scene or video-copying from
television broadcasts to help identify suspects committing crimes

The following emergency support functions will be identical (when applicable) for both
civil disturbances and natural/manmade disasters:
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Mobilization and response
Communications
Field command posts
Casualty information
Court and prosecutorial liaison
Media/public information and community relations
General liaison with local agencies
Legal considerations
Mutual aid
Military support (National Guard)
Public agency security
Traffic control
Juvenile offenders
Equipment requirements
De-escalation procedures
Rumor Control
Availability for command
Post occurrence duties
After-action reports and financial accountability
Transportation
Arrest and confinement procedures
Mitigation activities

22.2 NATURAL AND MANMADE DISASTERS
Planning for disaster response will be the responsibility of the County Roads and Transportation
Services Department Director. Actual search and rescue activity or criminal investigation and

counter-terrorism will be the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. The following subjects are covered
by plans: (are now called ESF’s – Emergency Support Functions)
(See the most current Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan on file with the Chief Services
Deputy)
ESF #1
ESF #2
ESF #3
ESF #4
ESF #5
ESF #6
ESF #7
ESF #8
ESF #9
ESF #10
ESF #11
ESF #12
ESF #13-19
ESF #20
ESF #21
ESF #22
ESF #23
ESF #24-29
ESF #30
ESF #31
ESF #32
ESF #33
ESF #34
ESF #35-39
Annex A

22.2.1

Transportation and Evacuation
Communications and Warning
Public Works and Engineering
Fire Services
Analysis and Planning
Mass Care/Shelter
Resource Management
Health, Medical and Mortuary Services
Search and Rescue
Hazardous Materials
Food, Water, Donated Goods
Energy and Utilities
(Reserved for federal expansion provisions)
Military Support to Civil Authorities
Recovery and Restoration
Law Enforcement
Damage Assessment
(Reserved for state expansion)
Direction and Control
Public Information
Administration and Finance
Solid Waste Management
Inter-government Coordination
(Reserved for county expansion)
Counter-Terrorism

Emergency Operations Center
Sheriff’s Administrators may request the EOC to open in order to facilitate
rapid support to field disaster responses. Other personnel may also be
designated to open and staff the EOC, with interaction with the Emergency
Management Program Director. We will also follow any current state and
federal disaster plan.

22.2.2

De-Escalation Procedure
It is the responsibility of the Emergency Management Program Director to
keep the Sheriff apprised of the progress and status of each incident. The
Sheriff will be responsible for determining at what point and how the
committed resources of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office shall be returned
to normal non-emergency status in incidents of natural and manmade
disasters.

22.2.3

After-Action Reports
It is the responsibility of the Emergency Management Program Director to
complete an after-action report at the completion of any major incident.

22.2.4

Post Occurrence Duty
During and at the conclusion of any major disaster, either natural or
manmade, the Chief Criminal Deputy shall be responsible for ensuring
security of life and property within the disaster area.

22.2.5

Media Relations
Citizens or media questions should be referred to the Sheriff or designee in
order to serve the public in an accurate manner.

22.3 EMERGENCY MOBILIZATION POLICY
The Sheriff’s Office will have an emergency mobilization plan, including the following provisions:
A. Communications and Reports – All personnel have a primary responsibility to
communicate all pertinent emergency information upward to the next higher levels of
authority. Periodic progress reports shall include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Current developments of the incident.
Control measures implemented.
Prognosis of the overall situation.
Equipment and human resource needs, including what resources are already at the
scene.

22.3.1

Alert Stages
At the direction of the Sheriff or designee:
A. For Mobilization:
1. First Stage – Upon receiving an emergency alert, the Incident
Commander will immediately call and notify the Sheriff of the
emergency, or the Sheriff’s next ranking deputy if the Sheriff is not
available. The determination as to the degree of mobilization will be
made at the time.
2. Second Stage – Upon receiving the direction for the mobilization or
information dissemination, the Incident Commander will notify each
Mid-Manager or First-Line Supervisor of the matter, who will in turn
notify their personnel. In the absence of a Mid-Manager or First-Line
Supervisor, the next ranking deputy on shift will be notified.
Each First-Line Supervisor will notify the Incident Commander of the
results of their calls and their estimated arrival time to the scene or
command post.
3. Third Stage – All members must report at scheduled times and
locations. If employees are unable to appear for work due to roads
blocked, power dangers or other disaster level reasons, then
employees must find another method to communicate with the
Sheriff’s Office. Examples could be to use CB radio, ham radio, walk
to a working phone, or flag down any county vehicle to report in.
Anyone believed missing for more than 24 hours will trigger an
attempt to check on that employee/family. However, all members
need to realize that it may not be possible to send someone to

determine health and availability of everyone. The Sheriff’s Office is
a VITAL PUBLIC SERVICE to the entire community, not only a
specific few. All members are cautioned to do their own community
networking NOW and be well prepared at home to survive for 72
hours following a disaster.
4. Types of Alert Status – There are three types of alert status that will
be used in the notification of law enforcement personnel:
a. On-Call Alert – All members are on-call and will keep the office
advised of their location and provide them with a phone number
where they can be reached. Deputies must be prepared to
respond to the designated assembly point, fully equipped, 45
minutes after notification.
b. Standby Alert – Members will equip themselves, remain at home
and be prepared to respond to the assembly point immediately
upon notification.
c. Duty Alert – Members will report immediately to the assembly
point in full uniform prepared for an indefinite tour of duty. The
duty alert will include the location of the assembly point. All
vacations, sick, or days off of any kind will be canceled during the
occurrence.
B. For Activation of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center);
1. Level I
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Limited staffing
Support for CAPCOM
Support for field Command Post
Public information
News media information
Setting up and testing equipment
Initial contacts with appropriate agencies
Limited staffing

2. Level 2 (Intermediate)
a. Take over some CAPCOM duties
b. Take over some duties of field Command Post
c. More public information
d. More news media information
e. All equipment operational
f. Planning with appropriate agencies
g. Briefing of emergency plan officials
h. Increased staffing
3. Disaster
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

EOC fully operational
Disaster in progress
Emergency plan officials on duty
Control shifts from CAPCOM to EOC
Emergency plan officials now making decisions
Full staffing and 12-hour shifts around the clock of EOC
personnel
g. Several field command posts

22.3.2

Primary and Alternate Assembly Areas
The primary assembly area is the courthouse employee parking lot, adjacent
to the Red Lion Hotel. Currently, the alternate EOC location is the Tilley
Road County Shop. Others will be determined by the specific nature of the
mission.

22.3.3

Equipment Distribution
Any equipment to be distributed will be done so in accordance with the
guidelines of the County Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan.

22.3.4

Special Task Force Activation
May be activated by the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Chief Deputy, or designee and
shall:
1. Establish a Command Center.
2. Evaluate and update Thurston County Sheriff's Office needs.
3. Establish a Staging Area to coordinate personnel and equipment for
effective control of the incident.
4. Order the use of special equipment (if time does not permit authorization
through the Chief Services Deputy).
5. Coordinate communications with assisting outside agencies.
6. Organize a critique at the completion of the Emergency Operation.

22.3.5

Key Personnel Designations
These will be determined on a case-by-case basis, unless otherwise
controlled by the Thurston County Comprehensive Emergency Operations
Plan.

22.3.6

Transportation Assignments
Assignments will be coordinated with the County Comprehensive Emergency
Operations Plan.

22.3.7

Command and Control
Will be the responsibility of the Sheriff or designee, and will handle:
1. The issuance of appropriate instructions for the purpose of ensuring
coordinated and effective deployment of personnel and equipment for
control of the incident and for providing effective law enforcement
services to the remainder of the county.
2. The monitoring of law enforcement activities (the coordination of effort
between the Task Force Commander and the Field Commander, as well
as the coordination of the entire organization with outside agencies).
3. The informing of higher authorities (County Commissioners, Governor,
etc.) of law enforcement activities, upon request or when appropriate.
4. The constant evaluation of incoming information in order to keep
apprised of the scope and direction of the incident.

5. Requesting any necessary assistance from county or city departments,
law enforcement agencies, or other State and Federal agencies.
6. The coordinating of law enforcement operations consistent with the
County Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan.
7. The review of requests and authorization for use of special equipment
(whenever possible).

22.3.8

Emergency Mobilization Plan Rehearsals
Rehearsals or Trainings will be determined by the County Comprehensive
Emergency Operations Plan.

22.4 CIVIL DISTURBANCE
This plan is a guide to all employees when preparing for police control of an anticipated event having
the potential for civil disorder.
Exception: Nothing contained herein shall restrict a member from deviation from this guide
when a particular situation requires it. However, justification for such deviation may be
required at the conclusion of the incident.

22.4.1

Appropriate Implementation
The provisions of this plan shall be utilized whenever any member becomes
aware of a public activity involving;
1. Demonstrations – Protests, marches, sit-ins, etc.
2. Labor Disputes – Strikes, boycotts, picketing, etc.

22.4.2

Law Enforcement Mission
The mission of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office in handling these types of
law enforcement incidents is the protection of life and property and keeping
the peace, as well as, safeguarding the constitutional right of all involved
parties to the peaceful expression of opinion.

22.4.3

Law Enforcement Objective
The objectives of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office in handling these types
of incidents are:
1. To adhere to a strict policy of neutrality.
2. To adhere to a strict Unity of Command, thus reducing the possibility for
incident escalation and/or loss of police control through nonessential
police actions.
3. To take immediate steps at the on-set of any escalation of hostility, to
quickly defuse the situation.
4. To initiate enforcement actions only as a last resort, when all else fails.

22.4.4

Law Enforcement Response
These types of incidents normally are considered to require only a Stage I
Alert with minimum potential for escalation.

22.4.5

Anticipated Event Reporting
The timely accumulation and forwarding of information concerning planned
demonstrations and/or labor disputes, increases the Sheriff’s Office’s ability
to pre-plan its responsive handling of such events.
In that the Operations Bureau has the primary responsibility for handling such
incidents; information concerning any anticipated event shall be forwarded
and processed in the following manner.
1. All personnel have a responsibility to relay any information concerning
anticipated events to the Patrol Shift Supervisor of any shift.
2. Patrol Shift Supervisors receiving such information shall utilize the
resources available to attempt to ascertain the veracity of facts and/or
solicit investigative assistance in qualifying the information. All
information, whether confirmed or not, shall be forwarded to the Chief
Deputy of Operations, via the chain of command. This information
should be accompanied by an account of those activities already
performed or planned by the Patrol Shift Supervisor(s).
3. Patrol Shift Supervisors shall notify the Chief Operations Deputy, via the
chain of command and review all information in determining the
appropriate level of deputy response.
4. If the anticipated event may affect more than one shift and/or require the
assignment of additional personnel, the Patrol Shift Supervisor shall
notify the other affected Patrol Shift Supervisor(s), Patrol Division
Captain, and the Chief Deputy of Operations.
5. The Chief Deputy of Operations shall determine that individual who will
be delegated the authority and responsibility for the preplanning and
operational control of the anticipated event. In most instances,
preplanning will be accomplished by the Operations Bureau.

22.5 EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS
Any equipment maintained by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office that is designated for emergency
operations will be inspected by the respective division heads, unit supervisors, or watch
commanders on a monthly schedule for operational readiness.

22.6 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANS
The Sheriff will issue copies of Emergency Operations Plans to all supervisors within the agency.
The plans will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis by the Administration, and all
supervisors are required to notify upper managers when any modification is found advisable, due to
experience or oversight. Examples of written concern are:

Operations/and/Administration:
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’

Response plans and maps to schools and correctional facilities
Robbery, alarms and bomb threat procedures
Code Zebra
Methamphetamine lab response
Helicopter operations procedure
Natural and manmade disaster plan
Civil disturbances plan and response guide
Emergency mobilization plan
Copies of any mutual aid agreements
Corrections emergency evacuation plan
Details jail response plan
Hate crime procedure
Emergency mobilization plan
Mass arrest procedure
Blood borne pathogen exposure plan/procedure
Employee accident reporting form
Current bargaining unit agreements
Complaints against sheriff’s personnel procedures
Affirmative action plan and non-discrimination policies
Detour route maps
Juvenile court building emergency plan
Information on dealing with foreign diplomatic and consular personnel
Lake maps
Employee final termination process checklist

Corrections: (The following procedures are maintained in the TCCF Internal Procedures Manual)
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’
’

Detailed jail response plan
Corrections emergency evacuation plan
Emergency mobilization plan
Natural and manmade disaster plan
Mass arrest procedure
BBP exposure plan/procedure
Employee accident reporting form
Current bargaining unit agreements
Complaints against sheriff’s personnel procedure

County-wide Comprehensive Emergency Operations Planning
The Sheriff’s Office is a working partner with the program and will comply with the county
planning and manual, and interact with the county emergency management program
director and staff. The Sheriff’s Office supports the use of the Incident Command
System and National Incident Management System for emergency operations planning.
Their office is located at the CAPCOM/Emergency Center. Planning is reviewed in
perpetual process and housed in the Emergency Operations Center.

22.7 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Any response by local law enforcement agencies to the Thurston County Corrections Facility
operation in Thurston County will be governed by any mutual aid agreement in effect at the time.
The primary responsibility for planning and implementation rests with the Thurston County Sheriff’s
Office. The Thurston County Corrections Facility shall maintain an emergency evacuation plan in
cooperation with the agency’s overall emergency plan.

22.8

SITUATION MAPS

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office has situation maps available in the SWAT van. Operations
Bureau and Corrections Bureau supervisors have situation maps relevant to their job functions, such
as emergency response plan maps or sketches. Other situational maps are available with the
County Emergency Management Division.

22.9

COMMAND AND CONTROL

The Sheriff will cooperate with all other local law enforcement agencies in the county during any
unusual occurrence impacting civil law enforcement resource. Members will adhere to any needs
required by the existing county-wide Emergency Management Plan.
A field command shall be established whenever an incident requires the response of multiple police
units and/or an established incident command for the on-scene coordination of police activities.

22.9.1

Primary Responsibility
The Operations Bureau and/or Services Bureau, depending on the type of
emergency, shall retain the primary responsibility for the command and
control of resources during emergency operations.

22.9.2

Chain of Command
The operational structure of the Sheriff’s Office may be modified during
emergency operations. When necessary, an Incident Command Post and/or
the Emergency Operations Center may be activated and staffed.
Whenever a law enforcement incident requires the establishment of an
Incident Command, the office chain of command for line control of the
incident will be as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

22.9.3

Sheriff
Undersheriff
Chief Operations Deputy
Chief Services Deputy
Patrol Division Captain
Patrol Shift Lieutenant
Sergeant assigned to the scene of the incident.
Deputy assigned to the scene of the incident.

Assuming Field Command
In an on-view situation or during the initial stage of an emergency incident
investigation, the first deputy on the scene (senior deputy if more than one
deputy arrives simultaneously) shall assume and retain Field Command until
relieved by a First Line Supervisor or command level deputy (Mid-Manager or
above).
The supervisor of any cross-jurisdictional operation will be that senior
supervisor within the geographical area of the primary jurisdiction. The
initiating agency members and supervisor will come under the direction of
that geographical jurisdiction supervisor. At the point of change in
jurisdiction, members will be accountable to be cognizant of:
1. Code Zebra

2. Mutual Aid Agreements
3. Mutual Aid Peace Officer Powers Act

22.9.4

Field Command Exception
The modification of the office’s organizational structure for line control during
an emergency situation does not supersede the office’s established chain of
command. This means that any command-level deputy in the deputy’s
normal chain of command may assume command and responsibility for the
police function at any time during the police emergency situation. When this
occurs, however, the office’s Field Commander must be specifically informed
that they have been relieved of their command and Communications and/or
the office Command Post notified of the new Field Commander.

22.9.5

Presence of a Command Level Deputy at the Scene of a Law
Enforcement Incident
The appearance or mere presence of a recognized supervisor at the scene of
a law enforcement incident shall not indicate their assumption of command.
However, should this command level deputy issue orders and/or direct the
activities of any personnel, they then automatically assume the Incident
Commander position and must follow the procedure outlined under this
policy. If this command level deputy wishes to remain at the scene in an
advisory capacity to the actual Incident Commander, they must not issue
orders or direct the activities of police personnel.

22.9.6

Incident Commander – Authority
A. When the Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Chief Deputy has personally appointed
an Incident Commander, this deputy will be relieved of command by only
the Sheriff, Undersheriff or Chief Deputy.
B. The Incident Commander, regardless of rank, shall have complete
authority and responsibility for conducting the field operations of the
Sheriff’s Office for the duration of the emergency, or until relieved of
command normally by the Sheriff, Undersheriff or Chief Deputy.
C. All personnel assisting in or assigned to the involved area shall be
subject to the direct command and supervision of the Incident
Commander.

22.9.7

Relieving the Incident Commander
A. When the Incident Commander is physically or mentally unable to
perform their duties, a deputy of equal or junior rank may relieve the
Incident Commander by identifying themselves and informing the Sheriff
or designee.
B. Whenever feasible, the deputy who plans to relieve the Incident
Commander shall communicate their reasons and intentions to the
Sheriff, Undersheriff or Chief Deputy prior to initiating such action.
C. Whenever a Incident Commander is relieved as indicated above, the
deputy who assumes Incident Command must be prepared to
substantially justify their actions.

22.9.8

Change of Overall Command – Major Crime Scenes
A. After an emergency operation involving a major crime scene has been
resolved and the Incident Commander decides that the Patrol Division
has fulfilled its primary responsibilities, on-scene command of the incident
shall pass to the Investigations Division for further investigation or followup.
B. A supervisory deputy from the Investigations Division shall therefore
assume Incident Command of the scene at this point and follow the
procedure.
C. All personnel from other Divisions will continue to assist as needed,
obeying orders and directives given by the Investigations Division
supervisor (Incident Commander), and remain on their assignments until
properly relieved by that Incident Commander.

22.10 MASS ARREST INCIDENTS
The Mass Arrest Policy applies to any situation where a large number of individuals will be arrested
due to a significant event or unusual occurrence. These arrests can be during, but not limited to the
following types of events:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Unlawful assembly
Disruption of vehicle, rail, air, marine, or pedestrian traffic
Rioting
Looting
Destruction of private or public traffic
Any other event or incident deemed necessary by the Sheriff or his/her
designee

In all situations, it will be the determination of the on-scene incident commander if and when to
activate the mass arrest directive.

22.10.1

Location Criteria
A. The facility should be located out of sight of the scene of the mass arrest,
by the concurrence of both Corrections and Patrol supervisions.
B. The facility should be large enough accommodate the anticipated number
of prisoners, all processing procedures, and the storage of necessary
supplies. Planned locations will likely change due to availability, but will
be at least an annual decision by executive management.
C. Accommodations will be made to keep arrested persons of different
genders separate from one another.
D. When feasible, possible arrangements will be made to keep persons
arrested with different points of view separated from one another. This
may not be possible due to space and time constraints.
E. If transportation to jail is not immediately available, shelter, warmth, toilet
facilities, food, water and security of the prisoners will be required. Those
facilities may be rented or purchased from private vendors when no other
option is possible, and triggered through chain of command.

22.10.2

Staffing of Field Booking Facilities
The on-duty supervisor will be in command until relieved by the on-call
Incident Commander. Refer to the Mass Arrest Operational Directive for
procedural guidance.

22.11 ANNUAL REVIEW
This manual and the unusual occurrence plans contained within this manual will be reviewed
annually by the Administrative staff members of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. An ongoing
process of review and update revisions to the plans or manual will be conducted by the policy
manager, who will be responsible for making recommendations for changes to the appropriate
Captain or affected Bureau Chief(s).

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

23.1 TRAFFIC FUNCTION
The Patrol Division of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the enforcement of
traffic laws, the investigation of traffic accidents, and the direction of traffic when there is congestion
or safety concern. Patrol Deputies will exercise enforcement actions through their discretionary
powers with common sense judgment and fairness.

23.1.1

Objectives
A. The reduction of traffic collisions and injuries.
B. The safe and expeditious flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
C. The public’s voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.

23.1.2

Methods
A. To accomplish these objectives, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office
may:
1. Attempt to educate the public of traffic regulations through programs
intended to identify specific problems; i.e., the Citizen Speed Watch
Program.
2. Compile and make public traffic accident and injury statistics.
3. Take enforcement action as needed, to include issuance of verbal
and/or written warning notice, notice of infractions, and/or citation(s)
and/or physical arrest.
4. Engage in special enforcement programs and/or emphasis patrols
singularly or with other law enforcement agencies DUI emphasis
program.
5. Give notices and warnings of changes in traffic regulations prior to
taking enforcement action.

23.2 TRAFFIC RECORD SYSTEM
The Sheriff’s Office system of recording traffic accident and enforcement data is two-fold.
A. Enforcement data will be channeled by the Records Division to the Chief of Operations.
B. Reportable data will be reported to the Washington State Patrol, who yearly shares with
us a copy of the Abstract of Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions.

23.3 CONTENTS OF TRAFFIC RECORDS SYSTEM
The Sheriff’s Office Records Section will maintain a traffic records system that includes the retention,
processing, maintenance, release and distribution of records.

23.3.1

Maintenance of Traffic Information
The Records Section shall maintain complete information of all traffic
accidents and traffic citations, whether criminal or infraction in nature.
It will be the responsibility of the Records Section to process all incoming
traffic information in a timely manner. Traffic violation information will be
logged as directed by the State Auditor.
All traffic information will be maintained in the records management system
and be available for review by all divisions in the Office for their use, as
needed.

23.3.2

Retention and Distribution
Retention and distribution of traffic records will be in compliance with
Washington State law.

23.3.3

Release of Information
Release of traffic information will be in compliance with public disclosure
laws.

23.4 TRAFFIC REPORT REVIEW
The Sheriff’s Office will utilize a process of interaction between our Patrol Traffic Supervisor (or
designee), the County Traffic Engineer, and the County Road Division Risk Management Officer in
order to attempt to determine the causes or contributions of traffic accidents. The Patrol Supervisor
will review and ensure that all traffic reports are forwarded to the Records Division. Data to be
collected should include location, time, date and any violation type.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

24.1 TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
Deputy Sheriffs will take enforcement action when traffic violations of a possible or actual accident
causing nature occur in their presence, or when probable cause exists upon investigation of an
accident or criminal traffic matter.
Deputies will use the following enforcement methods; a written notice of infraction/citation, written or
verbal warning, or a custodial arrest for those traffic violations enumerated in R.C.W. 46.63.020.
Enforcement of other traffic laws such as parking, equipment violations, and other non-hazardous
violations is encouraged as assignment and/or workload permits. A N.O.I., written or verbal warning
may be issued at the deputy’s discretion

24.2 SPECIAL GROUP VIOLATORS
Traffic violators should be handled fairly and in accordance with the laws of the land.

24.2.1

Non-Residents
Unless a traffic law is unique to our area, no immunity should be granted to
any person because that person is not a resident of this community.

24.2.2

Juveniles
Juveniles sixteen and seventeen years of age can be cited and handled as
adult violators. Juveniles under the age of sixteen cannot be issued traffic
citations or notices of infractions. Information regarding the violation will be
forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office in the form of a field investigation report.
The deputy should make an attempt to contact the violator’s parent or
guardian and inform them of the violation.

24.2.3

Legislators
During the legislative session, legislators are, “privileged from arrest in all
cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace.” (Article II, Section
16, Washington State Constitution). Legislators may be issued traffic
citations and notices of infraction. They may also be taken into custody for
the purpose of obtaining a breath test. Legislators should not be
incarcerated for infraction or misdemeanor violations during the legislative
session.

24.2.4

Foreign Diplomats and Consulate Officers
Foreign diplomats and consulate officers may be issued traffic citations and
notices of infraction. They may also be taken into custody for the purpose of
obtaining a breath test. Should a question of proper protocol arise, we will
contact the U.S. Department of State Operations Center at (206) 647-2412
(24hrs).

24.2.5

Military Personnel
Military personnel may be issued traffic citations and notices of infraction.
When a custodial arrest is made of military personnel, the arresting deputy
should notify the individual’s home base. If this is not possible, the deputy
should contact the nearest base of the same branch of service and notify
them of the detention.

24.2.6

Training
Members will receive entry-level and subsequent periodic training on the
handling of special group violators, and the training will be done by the
supervisors.

24.2.7

Arrest and Detention of Other Foreign Nationals
Members will confer with supervision to assure that dealing with arrests and
detention of Foreign Nationals follows the current U.S. Department of State
Consular notification protocols.

24.3 INFORMATION PROVIDED TO VIOLATORS
Upon issuance of a notice of infraction or citation, the deputy will inform the violator of the following:
A.
B.
C.
D.

The location of the court;
Whether or not the violation requires a mandatory court appearance;
The date of the court appearance, if applicable;
Whether the motorist may be allowed to enter a plea and/or pay a fine by mail or
otherwise; and
E. The location of the instructions on the front and back of the infraction or citation.

24.4 UNIFORM ENFORCEMENT
The following uniform enforcement policies regarding the below enumerated traffic violations are
necessary in order to provide a fair and reasonable approach to traffic enforcement, and to promote
the public acceptance of traffic enforcement.

24.4.1

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Because of the negative impact on society by the impaired driver, it is the
Office’s policy to vigorously seek out and arrest the impaired driver.

24.4.2

Speed Violations
A Notice of Infraction or a written or verbal warning may be issued at the
deputy's discretion.

24.4.3

Other Hazardous Violations
Deputies will take enforcement action upon witnessing traffic violations of a
possible or actual accident-causing nature.

24.4.4

Equipment Violations
Normally, warning citations will be issued for first offense equipment
violations, unless the violations create a likely hazard to the public, then a
notice of infraction may be appropriate.

24.4.5

Non-Hazardous Violations
Deputies are encouraged to work non-hazardous violations as assignment
and work load permits.

24.4.6

Multiple Violations
No more than three (3) violations will be written on one citation form.
Infractions and misdemeanors will not be cited on the same form. All traffic
violations arising from the same incident should be cited into the same court.

24.4.7

Newly Enacted Laws and/or Regulations
Normally a period of public information and/or warnings will take place before
written citations are issued regarding newly enacted laws and/or regulations.

24.5 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
The use of emergency equipment by employees of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office shall be in
compliance with RCW 46.61.035.

24.5.1

Emergency or Hazard Lights
Emergency lights and/or hazard lights will normally be left on during traffic
stops or where any part of traveled portion of the roadway is obstructed.
Spotlights may be used to illuminate a stopped vehicle.

24.5.2

Units Authorized to Use Emergency Responses
Only the primary responding unit and their initial back-up unit will use
emergency responses, unless otherwise directed by their supervisor.

24.5.3

Notification of Response Options
Employees using response options will advise CAPCOM of their response,
from where, and what type of response. Supervisors will monitor emergency
responses and may modify or cancel units, as necessary.

24.5.4

Training
Entry-level FTO training and periodic EVOC Refresher update training will
occur to remind deputies assigned with vehicles of their civil responsibilities
and lawful use of Thurston County Sheriff’s Office emergency equipment.

24.6 REPORTS
Traffic citations; arrest, accident, and all other supplemental reports, will be completed and turned in
before deputies go off shift unless given specific approval by their supervisor. Reports in which a

suspect is booked into the jail or juvenile facility must be completed before the employee goes off
shift. Following approval by the shift supervisor, the above paperwork is routed through the
Detective Supervisor for proper dissemination.

24.7 CONTACT WITH TRAFFIC VIOLATORS
Deputies should maintain a positive and courteous demeanor when contacting traffic law violators,
and shall present a professional image to the pubic during traffic stops by their dress, grooming,
language, bearing and emotional control.

24.8 SPEED MEASURING DEVICES
Speed measuring devices, referred to as radars may be used by Deputies for traffic enforcement
when in compliance with this policy.

24.8.1

Radar Operation Training
Deputies will not operate traffic radar devices until they have satisfactorily
completed the Criminal Justice Training Commission Radar Operator course,
or its equivalent, and have had practical experience supervised by a qualified
radar operator. Upon notification of completion, the training deputy will enter
the training in the deputy’s training file.

24.8.2

Use of Devices
Traffic radar devices will be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and instruction by State certified instructors.

24.8.3

Calibration Check
Radar operators will check the calibration of the radar units in the course of
their use. Radar units that do not calibrate correctly, or have any other
malfunction, will be immediately taken out of service and the Patrol Captain
notified.

24.8.4

Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance and certification of radar units will be done before a
new unit is placed into service, and at least every two years for existing units.

24.8.5

Maintenance and Certification Records
The traffic unit supervisor will maintain all radar maintenance logs and
certification records and will ensure that all radar devices are properly
maintained and certified, as well as maintain a manual for each different type
of radar the Office uses.

24.9 TRAFFIC CITATIONS
Deputies shall utilize the standard uniform citation issued by the office when taking enforcement
action on infractions and misdemeanor criminal violations, unless a SECTOR unit is installed in the
patrol vehicle. Properly completed citations must be submitted by the end of each shift.

1.

All citations for criminal violations must be accompanied by a written report regarding
this incident.

2.

Records personnel will issue citation books to deputies who shall sign for them and
accept responsibility for their safekeeping. Copies of all issued citations shall be
maintained by records personnel. All citation books will be sequentially numbered,
and a record shall be kept of which citations are issued to which deputies. Each
citation is accountable by the deputy. Discrepancies will be explained to the traffic
clerk so a proper notation can be logged.

24.9.1

Lost or Stolen Citations
If a citation or citation book is lost or stolen, the deputy to whom it was issued
will immediately notify his supervisor and submit a memo explaining the
circumstances. The supervisor will forward the memo through the chain of
command to the Chief Civil Deputy.

24.9.2

Spoiled Citations
In accordance with RCW 46.64.010, citations not used or citations which
have been changed for any reason will be notated “spoiled.” They must be
complete with all four copies present and they must contain a brief statement
as to why they are spoiled citations. They shall also bear the signature of a
supervisor and be witnessed by another person. It should be noted that at no
time will a traffic citation be written to an individual and then canceled by the
member without reason. Once the citation is “issued” it can only be disposed
of by the court into which the citation where the defendant has either signed
or has been booked for an offense and has been given their copy.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

25.1 REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING COLLISIONS
All accidents that are investigated by a Deputy will be documented on either a Traffic Collision
Report or other approved form.
The responsibility for investigating all traffic accidents occurring on state highways, interstates and
freeways will belong to the Washington State Patrol.
Minor or non-injury collisions occurring on county roads will be investigated by the Sheriff’s Office.
The Washington State Patrol may be requested whenever a supervisor approves, depending on
expertise required.
Traffic Fatalities/Vehicle Homicide – Whenever a traffic collision results in death or there is
reasonable cause to believe that injuries sustained are likely to cause death, the collision will be
investigated by the Washington State Patrol, whenever possible; otherwise, the Sheriff’s Office
Traffic Specialist will be requested by the on-duty supervisor to investigate, due to their expertise.
In the event of serious injury and/or fatality, it is the Shift Supervisor’s responsibility to see that
County Risk Management is notified.
Blood and urine tests will be requested and/or taken per current procedures and requirements, as
defined by the RCW.

25.1.1

Hazardous Materials
The Patrol Supervisor will notify the chain of command and the Washington
State Patrol, who will be the lead agency in hazardous materials spills on
county roadways or rights of way. The Patrol Supervisor will also notify the
Thurston County Public Works Risk Management Investigator for
assessment of county liability and responsibility.

25.1.2

Hit and Run & Driving Under the Influence Collision Scenes
Completed police reports will be submitted to the Patrol Supervisor prior to
the end of shift on all matters involving DUI or hit and run.

25.1.3

High Visibility Vests
Anyone who is assigned to a traffic control function will wear a reflective vest
after dark while directing traffic, investigating traffic collisions, or any other
circumstances requiring a person's presence on the street for an extended
period.

25.2 DEPUTY RESPONSE
Deputies Responding to Serious Traffic Collisions – This policy applies to all deputies assigned to
patrol duties, recognizing that the WSP will be handling most of the serious collisions in Thurston
County. Refer to Operational Directive “Accidents” for procedural guidance.
Deputies responding to collisions should consider public safety as their primary goal. Rendering first
aid, providing traffic control, and detaining suspected violators are a priority at vehicle collision
scenes.

25.3 ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
If a collision reveals probable cause to believe a traffic infraction or criminal violation occurred, the
investigating deputy may issue a citation or notice of infraction to the violator(s).

25.3.1

Other Public Agencies Involved

If an emergency vehicle belonging to a public agency is involved, the driver will not be cited for an
infraction. Information regarding the accident will be forwarded to the driver’s agency for an internal
review. Any disciplinary action will be the responsibility of the driver’s agency. Any enforcement
action will be coordinated between the Thurston County Sheriff's Office staff and the driver’s agency.

25.4 PRIVATE PROPERTY
Deputies will not respond to accidents on private property except under the following circumstances:
1. The collision results in an Injury to person(s), or
2. The collision is a Hit and Run, or
3. There is a crime involved.
In the event of serious injuries resulting from the collision, the Washington State Patrol will be
notified and requested to conduct the investigation.

25.5 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
It shall be the policy of this office to offer reasonable assistance at all times to the stranded motorist.

25.6 CIVILIAN ESCORTS
Employees are not to use county vehicles in lieu of an ambulance except under the most extreme
emergency conditions and when no other reasonable alternative exists.

25.7 HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS
Hazardous road conditions, such as holes in the road and missing road signs, will be reported to the
appropriate agency responsible for road maintenance, either Thurston County or Washington State.
When the conditions warrant traffic control, the responding deputy shall remain at the scene until
relieved by the appropriate road department or the patrol shift supervisor.

25.8 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CONTROL OR REMOVAL AND
EMPLOYEE HEALTH, WELFARE, AND SAFETY
The Sheriff’s Office supervisory ranks will assure reasonable protection of the health, welfare, and
safety of the general public and employees.

25.8.1

Deputy Responsibilities
The primary Deputy on the scene will insure that innocent bystanders and
motorists stay clear of potential danger, will secure the scene until fire
personnel arrive, control traffic until relieved or the situation is resolved, and
will report their actions to their supervisor.

25.8.2

Hazardous Material Control and Removal
Deputies will continue to respond to hazmat situations as required by law and
office policy. Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent a deputy from
assisting in public safety or emergency medical situations when that deputy
is in close proximity to same and is not en route to a priority call. The deputy
shall inform their supervisor of this response, and the supervisor will monitor
the level and length of this involvement.

25.9 ABANDONED VEHICLES – IMPOUND OF UNAUTHORIZED
VEHICLES
It is the policy of this office to insure the legal formalities governing the impound of vehicles are
complied with, to protect the public from unwarranted interference in their activities and to insure that
the public streets are not used to store unauthorized vehicles. This applies generally to all
unauthorized vehicles, other than those acquired by or sold to a hulk hauler or registered disposer
for resale as junk or scrap.

25.9.1

Unauthorized Vehicle
“Unauthorized Vehicle” means a vehicle that is subject to impoundment after
being left unattended on a highway for over twenty-four hours or is posing a
hazard to public safety by blocking the lane of travel, and tagged as
described in RCW 46.55.085.

25.9.2

Highway
“Highway” means the entire right of way of every way publicly maintained
when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of
vehicular travel; RCW 46.04.431.

25.10

TOWING

Towing of vehicles by Office employees will follow applicable state law, county ordinance, and
policy, where specified. An impound form will be completed and distributed as a record of the tow.
•
•

The reasons to tow a vehicle include hazard, when evidence or for safe keeping.
When to tow includes when owner of the hazard either refuses or is unable to remove the
vehicle within 24 hours.

•
•

County Sheriff’s Office tow companies are those registered with CAPCOM, and are
contacted in next order on the list, or contract tow companies for evidence vehicles to go to
our evidence vehicle storage area.
Records of the vehicles towed are initially stored at CAPCOM. Older tow records are to be
channeled to the Records Division.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

26.1 MARINE VESSEL COLLISION INVESTIGATIONS
The office’s Marine Services Unit (MSU) has the primary responsibility of ensuring safety and
security on the public waterways of the county. This includes investigating boating accidents. If the
MSU is unavailable, patrol deputies will investigate boating accidents.

26.1.1

Definitions
1. Boat: Any vessel or watercraft used or capable of being used as a
means of transportation on the water. (Does not include inner tubes, air
mattresses, small flimsy rafts, or flotation devices used as toys by
swimmers.
2. Operator: An individual who steers, directs, or otherwise has physical
control of a vessel that is underway or exercises actual authority to
control the person at the helm.
3. Owner: A person who has a legal right to possession of a vessel by
purchase, exchange, gift, lease, inheritance or legal action whether or not
the vessel is subject to a security interest.

26.1.2

Washington Boat Accident Investigation Report (BAIR)
Deputies shall complete a BAIR for any boat accident involving the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

26.1.3

Death,
Injury requiring treatment beyond first aid (i.e., hospitalization),
Missing person under circumstances that indicate death or injury,
Damage greater than $2000 to any one boat or other property,
Hit and Run or
County boat or property is involved.

Boating Accident Report – Operator
The Washington Boating Accident Report must be completed by each vessel
operator when the incident involves any of the following circumstances:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Death,
injury requiring treatment beyond first aid,
Damage greater than $2000 to any one boat or other property,
Missing person under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

The investigating deputy shall instruct the vessel operators on how to
complete the Boating Accident Report, and the time requirements for its
submission to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

26.1.4

Impound of Vessels
A deputy may impound a vessel under any of the following circumstances:
1. Probable cause exists to believe that the boat constitutes evidence of a
crime or contains evidence of a crime,
2. The operator appears incapable of safely operating the boat,

3. The operator refuses or neglects to obey an order to proceed from or to
an area following a citation or in an emergency,
4. The operator operates the boat in a negligent or reckless manner so as
to endanger the safety of others or to interfere with the navigation of
other watercraft; and the deputy believes that impoundment is necessary
to cease such operation,
5. The vessel, watercraft, or obstruction appears unsafe for water
transportation,
6. The vessel, watercraft or obstruction is obstructing a public launch ramp
or dock.
The deputy will notify their immediate supervisor of the impending impound,
and request the assistance of a Marine Services Unit Deputy to complete the
impound process.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

27.1 INVESTIGATIONS
Investigations into allegations involving vice and organized crime will be conducted by the Detective
Division. All information will be monitored by the Detective Division supervisor. These types of
investigations will be conducted consistent with investigative methods utilized in other criminal
investigations, remembering that confidentiality is of utmost importance.

27.1.1

Case Assignments
The Detective Division supervisor will assign cases to unit personnel. Cases
requiring specialized skill, knowledge, and ability should be assigned to
personnel having those credentials.
All cases assigned shall be logged in the case assignment book.

27.1.2

Primary Investigator
The detective assigned a case for follow-up will become the primary
detective and is responsible for the conduct and results of the investigation.

27.1.3

Major Cases
In major cases, all supplementary reports, including records of statements,
results of examinations of physical evidence, case report status, and all other
reports shall be forwarded to the supervisor for review and approval.
In all major cases, i.e., murder, major sex offenses, arson, major burglary,
drug cases, etc., or any case where there are extensive files involved, a
major case folder will be constructed and maintained by the assigned
detective.

27.1.4

Suspension of Cases
The Detective Division supervisor can authorize the suspension of an
assigned case. The determination to suspend shall be based upon the
following:
1. All leads have been exhausted;
2. Unavailability of Department resources;
3. Solvability factors;
4. Seriousness of the crime;
5. Impact on the community.

27.2 VICE CONTROL FUNCTION
The responsibility for vice control and investigations involving vice complaints will be assigned to the
Detective Division. The Detective assigned to gambling enforcement will also be assigned to vice
control and investigations.

27.3 ORGANIZED CRIME CONTROL
The responsibility for organized crime control and investigation is assigned to the Detective Division.
The Detective Lieutenant is responsible for assigning investigations involving organized crime.

27.4 MAINTENANCE OF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION
Information on organized crime, narcotics, terrorism and other sensitive areas that is not part of the
normal records management system should be forwarded to the appropriate intelligence agency for
analysis, storage and dissemination. The Sheriff’s Office will forward narcotics data to the Western
States Information Network. Terrorism information will be forwarded to the Washington State Patrol
Intelligence Section.
The Sheriff’s Office will not maintain any intelligence database or files that are not part of the normal
records management system and its various parts. Investigative information or data that involves
the above sensitive areas that are part of active investigations can be maintained for the duration of
the investigation, including adjudication, as necessary, but then should be included in the case file
and forwarded to the appropriate agency, or eliminated.

27.5 CONFIDENTIAL FILES
The Detective Division Lieutenant will maintain a confidential file on each confidential informant.
This file will include:
A. Biographical and background information
B. Criminal history records, if applicable
C. Payments made to the informant and information received
D. The nature of the informant’s operational involvement with the Sheriff’s Office
E. Code name or CI number of the informant
F. File security classification

27.5.1

Informant Identity
Members of the Sheriff’s Office will not divulge the identity of persons giving
confidential information, except as authorized by proper authority.

27.6 INTELLIGENCE FILES
The Sheriff’s Office will not maintain any intelligence database or files that are not part of the normal
records management system and its various modules. Information on organized crime, narcotics,
terrorism, and other sensitive areas shall be forwarded to the appropriate intelligence agency for
analysis, storage and dissemination.

27.6.1

Dissemination
•
•

•
27.6.2

All narcotics data will be forwarded to the Western States Information
Network. (WSIN)
All Terrorism data will be forwarded to the Washington Joint Analytical
Center. (WAJAC)
All Organized Crime data will be forwarded to the Washington State
Patrol Intelligence Section.

Collection of Information
Intelligence information collected by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office shall
be restricted to documents of criminal intelligence and related information
from public record and media sources.
Information may be collected by any member of the Thurston County Sheriff's
Office. Collection involves initial gathering of intelligence and collection of
raw information. Initial collection of information is not considered intelligence.
The data produced as a result of collation, evaluation, comparison and
analysis is considered intelligence.

27.6.3

Illegal Activity
No employee of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office will engage in any illegal
activity while collecting intelligence information; nor will any member employ
or direct another person to engage in the collection of intelligence information
through illegal means.

27.6.4

Duration of Possession
Investigative information or data that involves the above sensitive areas that
are part of an active investigation can be maintained for the duration of the
investigation including adjudication as necessary, but then should be
included in the case file and forwarded to the appropriate agency or
eliminated.

27.7

ONE PARTY CONSENT AUTHORIZATION
The Omnibus Bill of 1989 (SHB 1793) has a provision allowing for the tape recording of
certain conversations involving the sale and distribution of narcotics and for officer
safety. The ability to conduct these types of recordings is very important in the
investigation of illegal narcotics trafficking. The purpose of this policy is to insure that the
recordings are made in accordance with the provisions of state law and to set forth a
mechanism to obtain authorization.

27.7.1

Use of One-Party-Consent Recordings
One-party, consent recordings should be used in every case where an
authorization is possible. The records of conversations with those dealing in
narcotics provide the best evidence, and recordings should be obtained,
whenever possible.

27.7.2

Reasonable Suspicion of Risk
In every case where there is a reasonable suspicion that the deputy or agent
involved may be placed at risk, a one-party consent authorization will be

obtained, and the conversation will be monitored to ensure the safety of the
deputy and/or agent.

27.7.3

Requests for Authorization
All requests for authorization to obtain a one-party consent recording will be
made to the unit supervisor. The supervisor will review the request for legal
sufficiency.

27.7.4

Review of Probable Cause
If there are not exigent circumstances, the supervisor and the requesting
deputy will contact a deputy prosecuting attorney for review of the probable
cause. If the deputy prosecuting attorney concurs that probable cause
exists, a notation will be made in the case file that the consultation was made
and the results of the consultation.

27.7.5

Authorization for One-Party-Consent Transmission
The supervisor and the requesting deputy will contact the Sheriff or his/her
designee, to obtain an authorization for a one-party consent recording and
transmission.

27.7.6

Insufficient Time for Consultation
If there is not sufficient time available, the supervisor may contact an
Operations Captain for authorization without consultation with the deputy
prosecuting attorney. The supervisor will advise the authorizing Captain or
above that the consultation was not made and the reason for the exigent
circumstances.

27.7.7

Authorization for Signature to Staff Deputy
The requesting deputy and supervisor will provide the authorizing Captain or
above with the completed authorization for signature or will provide the staff
deputy with the information necessary to complete the authorization.

27.7.8

Filing of Necessary Reports
All authorizations for one-party consent recordings and transmissions will be
filed with the case report. A copy of the authorization will be forwarded to the
Commander of Investigations, who is responsible for filing all the necessary
reports with the Superior Court and the Administrator for the Courts. These
reports will be completed at the direction of the Commander of Investigations,
reviewed, and forwarded to the Sheriff for signature.

27.7.9

Voice Recordings
If a voice recording detailing the probable cause is made, the voice recording
will be placed into the Records Division. A copy of the transcript will be kept
with the authorization.

27.8 CRIMES AGAINST VULNERABLE ADULTS / DEPENDANT
PERSONS
Vulnerable adults who have been victimized need and deserve the protection of law enforcement
and the criminal justice system. Unless exigent circumstances or possibility of further harm to the
victim exist, the investigation will be assigned to a detective for follow-up. However initial
investigations from patrol should be thorough and contain all information pertinent to any
investigation. In order to investigate these cases officers should be able to identify a vulnerable
adult and/or dependant person, be familiar with the criminal statutes designed to protect them, and
how to conduct a basic investigation into violation of those statutes.
These types of investigations will be conducted in accordance with the Vulnerable Adult
Investigation Manual for Law Enforcement and The Thurston County Vulnerable Adult Task Force
Protocol, both of which are located in the Operations Bureau Procedures Folder on the “common
drive” of the network.

27.8.1

Definitions
A. "Vulnerable adult" includes a person:
(a) Sixty years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or
physical inability to care for himself or herself; or
(b) Found incapacitated under chapter 11.88 RCW; or
(c) Who has a developmental disability as defined under RCW
71A.10.020; or
(d) Admitted to any facility; or
(e) Receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care
agencies licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127
RCW; or
(f) Receiving services from an individual provider.
B. "Dependent person" means a person who, because of physical or
mental disability, or because of extreme advanced age:
(a) dependent upon another person to provide the basic necessities of
life.
(b) A resident of a nursing home or a resident of an adult family home;
(c) A frail elder or vulnerable adult, as defined in RCW 74.34.020(13),

27.8.2

Crimes Relating To Vulnerable Adults / Dependant Persons
A.
B.
C.
D.

27.9

Criminal Mistreatment RCW 9A.42
Abandonment of a Dependant Person RCW 9A.42
Endangerment with a Controlled Substance RCW 9A.42
Sexual Offenses – Rape 2nd and Indecent Liberties RCW 9A.44

CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

This policy does not supersede any statutory requirement in RCW 26.44.030 that directs a law
enforcement officer’s response to child abuse. Deputies should familiarize themselves with their
statutory role as outlined in the above noted chapter.

27.9.1

Initial Reports
Officers will respond to reported child abuse complaints as any other call for
service.

Because these cases differ dramatically in severity and circumstances,
officers must use their best judgment as to how they should proceed with an
investigation. Nothing in this policy precludes an officer from going forward
with an investigation, especially when a child is at risk of further harm.
However, if an officer believes that an investigator with specialized training is
needed, they may request one respond by notifying the duty supervisor.
All calls of child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault, regardless of the
disposition are to be documented in a case report and by statute should be
forwarded to CPS within 72 hours or 24 hours in emergencies. Reports
should include the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

27.9.2

Name, age (DOB), address of child;
Name, DOB, address of parent or guardian;
Nature and extent of any evidence of injuries;
Nature and extent of any evidence of neglect;
Nature and extent of any signs of sexual abuse;
Evidence of any previous allegations or injuries;
Suspect information if applicable.

Referrals To and From Child Protective Services (CPS)
CPS is mandated to forward all reports they receive of crimes against
children to the proper law enforcement agency with in 24 hours of receiving
the complaint.
Reports from CPS indicating that a child is in imminent danger require
immediate action by the officer(s) receiving the information.
Reports from CPS that are not immediate in nature are forwarded to the
Detective Sergeant for assignment within the Investigations Division.

27.9.3

Investigative Referrals
All felony child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault cases will be referred to
the Detective division after the initial investigation or upon referral from CPS.
Detectives will follow the protocols developed by the Thurston County
Prosecutors Office and The Thurston County Child Abuse Protocol in
conducting their investigations.

27.9.4

Only Trained Interviewers To Conduct Interviews
Victim interviews should be conducted by officers specifically
trained by
the criminal justice training commission in child abuse interviews or by a
qualified professional designated by the Thurston County Prosecutor.

27.9.5

Placing Juveniles in Protective Custody
The Sheriff’s Office will take juveniles into custody whenever the juvenile has
been harmed or is in danger of being harmed, and under circumstances
authorized by state law. It is the policy of the Sheriff that all Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office law enforcement deputies will follow any current juvenile
custody laws of the State of Washington.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office policy is that a deputy will take a juvenile
into custody as a Youth at Risk if the juvenile is absent from parental custody

without consent (which is required by RCW 13.32A.050); or the deputy
reasonably believes, considering the juvenile’s age, location and time of day,
that the juvenile is in circumstances which constitute a danger to the
juvenile’s safety; or the agency legally required to supervise the juvenile has
reported the juvenile runaway from placement; or the court has issued an
order to take the juvenile into custody for violation of a placement order.
The juvenile taken into custody by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office shall be
informed of the reason for such custody and transported home, to a
designated crisis residential center or the home of a responsible adult. The
name, address and telephone number of the parent, adult or agency
accepting responsibility for the release shall be documented in the custody
report, as well as verification that notice of appropriate services in the
community has been completed. [Refer to RCW 13.32A.060(1)].
If a deputy places the juvenile with a responsible adult, other than the parent,
the Department of Social and Health Services shall be immediately notified of
the placement and the reason for taking the juvenile into custody. [Refer to
RCW 13.32.070(1)].

27.9.6

●

Dependent Children – A deputy may take a juvenile into custody,
without a court order, if there is probable cause to believe that the
juvenile is abused or neglected and the juvenile would be injured or
could not be taken into custody if it were necessary to first obtain a
court order pursuant to RCW 13.34.050. (Refer to RCW 26.44.050)

●

Whenever a hospital administrator or physician, licensed pursuant to
RCW 18.71 or 18.57, has reasonable cause to believe that a juvenile
would be in imminent danger if released or left in the custody of a
parent, guardian or custodian or other person, the administrator or
physician may notify law enforcement, who shall take the juvenile into
custody and release the juvenile to Child Protective Services. [Refer
to RCW 26.44.056(2)].

●

Requirement For Written Notice By a Deputy – The TCSO deputy is
required by RCW 26.44.110 to provide written notice to a parent, or in
the residence of the parent if no parent is present, the reasons for the
removal of the juvenile from the home and the telephone number of
the local Child Protective Services office.

●

Authority for Emergency and Routine Medical Consent – RCW
13.34.060 authorizes the supervising agency (generally DSHS)
authority to consent for all necessary emergent and routine medical,
dental and psychological evaluations and care. Thus, the supervising
agency is also responsible for the costs.

●

Truants – A deputy taking a truant into custody, without a warrant,
shall transport the juvenile to a person of parental relation to the
juvenile or the school for which they are truant. (Refer to RCW
28A.225.060)

Protective Custody Definitions
Youth At Risk – (RCW 13.32A.030) means an individual under the
chronological age of eighteen years who:
(a) Is absent from home for more than 72 consecutive hours without
consent of the parent;

(b) Is beyond the control of the parent such that the child’s behavior
substantially endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or
any other persons; or
(c) Has a serious substance abuse problem for which there are no
pending criminal charges related to the substance abuse.
Also note the following:
Dependent Child – (RCW 13.34.030)
(a) Who has been abandoned; that is, where the child’s parent, guardian
or other custodian has evidence either by statement or conduct, a
settled intent to forego, for an extended period, all parental rights or
all parental responsibilities despite an ability to do so;
(b) Who is abused or neglected as defined in chapter 26.44 RCW by a
person legally responsible for the care of the child;
(c) Who has no parent, guardian, or custodian capable of adequately
caring for the child, such that the child is in circumstances which
constitute a danger of substantial damage to the child’s psychological
or physical development; or
(d) Who has a developmental disability, as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
and whose parent, guardian, or legal custodian together with the
department determines that services appropriate to the child’s needs
cannot be provided in the home. However, (a), (b), and (c) of this
subsection may still be applied if other reasons for removal of the
child from the home exist.
Child Abuse or Neglect – (RCW 26.44.020) “Child abuse or neglect” shall
mean the injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or negligent treatment
or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which
indicate that the child’s health, welfare, and safety is harmed thereby. An
abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect
as defined herein; PROVIDED, That this subsection shall not be
construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including
reasonable parental discipline, which are not proved to be injurious to the
child’s health, welfare, and safety; AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That
nothing in this section shall be used to prohibit the reasonable use of
corporal punishment as a means of discipline. No parent or guardian
shall be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent’s or
child’s blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other handicap.
Sexual Exploitation – (RCW 26.44.020) “Sexual Exploitation” includes: (a)
Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution by
any person; or (b) allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in the
obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting of a child
for commercial purposes as those acts are defined by state law by any
persons.
Negligent Treatment or Maltreatment – (RCW 26.44.020) “Negligent
treatment or maltreatment” means an act or omission which evidences a
serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a
clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare, and safety.

27.10

IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATIONS

RCW 9.35.020 allows law enforcement officials to aggressively investigate and prosecute identity
thieves. It establishes jurisdiction for Identity Theft to either where the victim lives in or in the country
where any part of the offense takes place. It provides avenues for a victim to correct public records
and block adverse credit reports. It requires businesses to provide victims with information about
fraudulent transactions made in their name. It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to
actively pursue the perpetrators of these crimes, prosecute them, and minimize or prevent
victimization.

27.10.1

Investigation Protocol
An offense report will be taken on all cases of reported identity theft
regardless of where the offense originated. This should be taken in person
so as to attempt to verify the victim’s identity through other available means
of documentation e.g., drivers license, passport, work identification, etc.
Document as best as possible how the victim’s personal information was
stolen, how it has been used, if known, and the extent of the financial impact
to the victim.
Provide the victim the case report number, as they will need it as
they work through the civil impacts of this crime.
If necessary, arrangements will be made with the victim to have their
fingerprints taken by Services Bureau staff.
Services Bureau Staff will fingerprint any identity fraud victim at no cost to the
victim. The cards will be forwarded to WSP by the victim and they will
receive a State Identification Number for identification purposes. Further
information is available at the Washington State Patrol WATCH website.
Officers will provide victims with Identity Theft Victim Information resources
so as to best minimize further victimization. Resources are available through
the Thurston County ID Theft Task Force, WSP WATCH Website, and
www.ICP.gov website.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

28.1

EVIDENTIARY ITEMS

When evidence or property comes into the possession of a member of this office, a held-in-trust
relationship is created, which carries an obligation for accountability and trust. Among the duties of
members of this office is the collection of evidence, recovery of stolen property, seizure of hazardous
materials and the safeguarding of private property.
It is the responsibility of each Deputy to make every reasonable effort to recover lost or stolen
property, to identify its owner, and to ensure its prompt return. The Prosecutor’s Office has
requested that prior to returning recovered property to the owner, their office be contacted to discuss
whether the property has any independent evidentiary value. They have further requested that if the
property can be released, it should be photographed and otherwise described with sufficient detail to
individually identify separate items. Also, the owner must sign for the property on a form indicating
they agree not to dispose of the property until the court proceedings are completed.

28.1.1

Evidence
Evidence is property which may be related to a crime or which may implicate
or clear a person of a criminal charge.

28.1.2

Found Property
Found property is that non-evidentiary which, after coming into the custody of
this agency, has been determined to be lost or abandoned. This property is
not known or suspected to be connected with any criminal offense.

28.1.3

Property Held for Safekeeping
Property held for safekeeping is that non-evidentiary property which is the
custody of this agency for temporary protection on behalf of the owner.

28.1.4

Care, Control, and Processing of Evidence and Property
It is the duty of all members to care for, control and correctly process all
evidence or property which may come into their possession in the course of
their official duties. Members shall, in every instance, place all property
obtained in the course of their official duties in the agency’s property system
before going off-duty.

28.1.5

Storing of Property
In no instance, shall member store property in a personal locker or other
unauthorized location.

28.1.6

Property Report
Members shall prepare a report describing how, when, where and what they
came into possession of with regards to property. The member will also
complete an evidence form.

28.1.7

Marking/Tagging of Evidence
Upon completion of the evidence form, the member will properly mark and/or
seal the evidence, or tag the evidence, as appropriate. The evidence form,
original and one copy, will be placed with the evidence in the evidence
locker. The evidence locker will be secured with a combination lock. An
additional copy of the evidence form will be submitted with the report to the
supervisor.

28.1.8

Explosives
NO EXPLOSIVES of any type, with the exception of ammunition, will be
impounded into the evidence lockers.

28.1.9

Toxic/Dangerous Materials
NO TOXIC OR DANGEROUS materials will be seized or stored in the
evidence vault or elsewhere in the Office.

28.1.10

County Shop Storage Area
Wheeled items, such as bicycles and motorcycles, are taken to the caged
storage area located at the county shop. Other large objects, such as beer
kegs, outboard motors, etc., will also be stored at the county shop storage
area. The Deputy will be responsible for securing the evidence in the storage
area.

28.1.11

Evidence Integrity
Each person handling or processing evidence is responsible for preserving
the integrity of the evidence, while it is under their control, and for maintaining
the chain of custody. Procedures on the methods and manner of collecting
specific items of evidence are contained in the Washington State Patrol
Crime Laboratory Handbook for Law Enforcement Officers. These
procedures should be followed and are on file with the Evidence Deputy
and/or Technician.
A. Deputies shall mark evidence as soon as possible, after it has been
discovered, in order to help assure its identity at a later date. The
evidence mark should be small and legible, while being distinctive, and
not easily duplicated. The recommended procedure is for a Deputy to
use their own initials for marking evidence.
1. Evidence marks should be placed on an item in such a manner so
as to prevent their being altered, destroyed or contributing to the
destruction of defacing of the item itself.
2. Items of evidence shall not be marked if such marking would alter
or change the evidence in any manner. If in doubt, do not mark.
Such items of evidence can be placed in separate containers and the
containers themselves marked.
3. Deputies must be careful not to mark items in such a way as to
destroy the value of the article.
B.

Evidence should be turned in at the end of the shift. On occasion, an
investigator will retain several items for a period of time while attempting
to identify owners. This should be a brief period, no longer than two or

three days, during which period the investigator is responsible for
safeguarding the property.

28.1.12

Conversion Destruction of Evidence/Property
Employees will not, under any circumstances, convert to their own use, loan
or give away any item of property or evidence coming into their possession in
the course of their official duties. Nor will they destroy any such property or
evidence without proper authority. Any instance of conversion or destruction
will be grounds for disciplinary action.
In all cases, the seizure of evidence or property shall be made within legal
constraints and out of necessity for the proper performance of a police task.
All items seized will be properly documented. Deputies will not dispose of
contraband items in the field, but will turn them in with appropriate
documentation for proper destruction by the evidence deputy/technician.

28.1.13

Evidence to Other Agencies
Evidence received from Deputies/Detectives relating to cases from other
agencies is processed in the same manner as all other evidentiary items.
The Evidence Deputy/Technician will make contact with the agency in
question as to their desires of the evidence held by this office. If the
evidence is to be returned to the department/agency, it will be sent by a
certified mail service (i.e., UPS, Fed Ex, etc.) In any case, a return receipt
will be requested for our records.

28.1.14

Evidence for Lab Testing
Deputies/Detectives requesting testing of evidentiary items will so indicate on
the Thurston County Sheriff's Office Evidence Form. The items to be tested
will be hand carried or mailed to the appropriate agency for testing. Each
item(s) will have the appropriate request forms filled out and a copy of the
form will remain with the evidence form for accountability until the evidence is
returned to this office. Once the evidence is returned, the original paperwork
will remain with the evidence form until the evidence is released, then it will
be placed in records with the other related paperwork.

28.2

EVIDENCE CONTROLS

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will keep pace with the most efficient methods possible in order
to properly control evidence in safekeeping.

28.2.1

Securing Evidence
During business hours, all evidentiary items will be submitted directly to an
evidence deputy/technician, when available. The items, together with the
required documentation, will be handed to the evidence deputy/technician. If
no evidence deputies or technicians are available, there are several evidence
lockers and security locks available for the deposit of items of evidence and
documentation. The items, along with documentation, will be placed into the
locker and security lock affixed to the hasp, securing the evidence. A
refrigerator and freezer are available for the temporary storage of sexual
assault examination kits, and other items containing body fluids or items
requiring refrigeration. Normally, all body fluids in liquid state require
refrigeration and dried specimens require freezing.

A. Cash Receipt Form
This form is simply a form which shows the breakdown of the
denomination(s) that are being submitted into evidence. Only the total
amount of the monies by item needs to be annotated on the evidence form.
Only the original form needs to accompany the currency.
Currency between the amounts of $0.01 to $500.00 can be counted and
submitted by a single deputy. Any amount in excess of $500.00 will require
two deputies to physically count the currency. Upon completion of counting,
both deputies will sign the “Cash Receipt” form and initial the seal of the
evidence bag.
B. Submission of US Currency
When submitting currency into evidence, the total amount of the item will be
annotated on the evidence form. In addition, a “Cash Receipt” form will be
completed by the investigating deputy, showing the breakdown of the
denominations. All currency – regardless of amount – will be sealed in an
evidence bag prior to its submission.
Currency in excess of $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) will be submitted
directly to an evidence deputy/technician. When items, which include monies
equaling in excess of $10,000, need to be submitted into evidence and it is
after hours, an evidence deputy/technician will be called out to accept the
items.
C. Submission of Counterfeit US Currency
Counterfeit US Currency will be photocopied front and back (black & white
only) for the investigating detective’s use. The counterfeit US currency will
be sealed in an evidence bag with the deputy’s initials on the seal.
Counterfeit US currency in excess of $10,000 does not require an after-hour
call-out by evidence office personnel.
D. Submission of Foreign Currency
When dealing with foreign currency, the currency will be sealed in an
evidence bag.

28.2.2

Perishable Items
If members do not have the expertise to handle perishable items, a member
of this Office with the expertise (Shift Supervisor, Evidence
Deputy/Technician, or Detective) will be consulted as to the proper handling
techniques.

28.2.3

Firearms
As the general rule, firearms must be unloaded prior to being placed in the
evidence locker. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Weapons used
in death investigation, serious assaults, or other types of violent crimes often
times require extensive examination and testing for latent fingerprints, blow
back and diagramming of the cylinder, etc. In these types of cases the
weapon may remain loaded; however, AMPLE WARNING must be provided
to the Evidence Deputy or Evidence Technician. This warning must consist
of a VISUAL note indicating that the weapon is loaded. This note may be
affixed to the outside of the evidence locker or in some other conspicuous
location.

28.2.4

Destruction of Marijuana Plants
Marijuana, due to its sheer bulk, may be stored in an alarmed, locked facility
with controlled access.
The Prosecutor’s Office has given approval for the destruction of marijuana
plants by the Evidence Office in marijuana-growing, large-volume cases.
The destruction of the marijuana will take place after the appropriate samples
have been taken for testing and court purposes. A 3.0 gram sample of each
item will be retained for testing, and a 200 gram composite sample will be
retained for court purposes. The remaining plants and green vegetable
matter will be incinerated. Documentation, in letter form, will be provided to
the Prosecutor’s Office, which will include the total weight of the marijuana,
when received.

28.2.5

Other Controlled Substances
Other controlled substances taken as evidence are to be placed in a plastic
self-sealing evidence bag, and then initialed/marked by the Deputy placing it
in the container. The item will not be opened by the Evidence
Detective/Technician but will be sent intact to the Washington State Patrol
Crime Laboratory for analysis. Upon return, the evidence will have been
sealed by the Crime Laboratory with their distinctive tape and a written report
will accompany the evidence providing their analysis. This sealed package
will not be opened. For purposes of inventorying, depositing with the court as
an exhibit, or disposing of evidence, the seal intact will authenticate that the
evidence is as it left the crime laboratory.
Controlled substances shall be weighed each time the article/item(s) is
removed from the evidence vault. The weight will be the total weight of the
substance and the container. An annotation of the weight will be made by
the Evidence Detective /Technician on the existing evidence form.

28.2.6

Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials and items should not be brought to the courthouse
where it might cause a safety or health problem for the office staff or other
courthouse employees. Explosive substances, such as dynamite, nitro,
artillery shells, bombs, large quantities of powder, etc., should not be
handled by the Deputy at all. The Deputy should notify the Watch
Commander or shift supervisor, who will notify or direct the Deputy to the
proper agency for disposal or other appropriate disposition of the material.

28.2.7

Storage of High-Risk Items
A combination safe and other secure, locked containers for overflow will be
part of the security system of the Sheriff’s Office to secure and store high-risk
items such as jewelry, cash and controlled substances as evidence.

28.2.8

Documentation
The person who initially seizes an item of evidence or property is responsible
for initiating the Sheriff’s Office Evidence/Property form. The original and one
copy will accompany the item, and one copy will be submitted with the report.
Upon receipt of the property by the Evidence Detective /Technician, both
copies of the evidence form will be signed and the date and time indicated.
The duplicate copy of the evidence/property form will be forwarded to records
and the original will be retained in the evidence file until the property is

returned or disposed of. At the time the property is returned or disposed of,
the original document will be forwarded to records.
The Evidence Detective will maintain a log to record when anyone other than
currently assigned Evidence personnel enters or leaves the evidence vault.
The log will be kept for a minimum period of 6 years and then destroyed, in
accordance with the existing county regulations.
Items placed into evidence by the Deputy/Detective, will be marked with the
case number. The Evidence Detective /Technician will assign a sequential
number and/or letter to each item, as appropriate, after the case number.
Evidence sheets, the computer entry log and evidentiary items will all show
the same case number and be stored in the evidence vault, in sequence, by
case number. This system allows a “paper trail” which helps retrieve the
item(s), audit the records and provides a check and balance on the system.

28.2.9

Evidence/Property Form
Only one case number will be assigned to an item. Other numbers may be
reflected on the top right margin, and will be noted as a reference case
number only.
The complete name of the owner, or other responsible person, their address
and telephone number will be listed in the spaces provided. The person will
be listed as the owner or suspect by selecting the appropriate box. All items
of evidence will use the owner’s name, if known. In cases of found property,
the owner may be listed as unknown, unless the finder intends to file a claim
for the property, then their name will be listed as the owner with an
annotation in the remarks section that the owner listed intends to file a claim
for the property.
Information from the Evidence/Property Form is entered into the evidence
computer. This requires that all data be entered uniformly so that it may be
easily retrieved. An example is in the case of firearms. There are four basic
categories of firearms defined for computer data entry; Rifles, Shotguns,
Revolvers and Pistols (semiautomatics). Therefore, all firearms will be
identified in the computer under one of these four noun nomenclatures. The
Evidence/Property Form contains these instructions. After entering the noun
name of the item, the manufacturer is listed, then the caliber, model number,
and the serial number, and finally the quantity. The same analogy may be
applied to any other types of items listed on the Evidence/Property Form.
Special instructions may be indicated on the Evidence/Property Form for
testing, fingerprinting, photography, special handling, disposal, etc.
Annually, when possible, the Evidence Detective or Technician will furnish
each Deputy/Detective with a list of all items held in evidence by the
Deputy/Detective. These items are stored in the evidence vault/storage area,
and that Deputy/Detective is responsible for the disposition of their evidence
when the item is no longer required. If required, the Deputy/Detective will
complete an Evidence Disposition Form, authorizing disposition of the
item(s). If the item is to be returned to the owner, the Deputy will furnish the
evidence office with the name, address and phone number. In the event the
evidence is the responsibility of another Deputy or Detective, that person will
notify the evidence office.

28.2.10

Disposition
Items of property will be returned to the rightful owner as expeditiously as
possible. When an item is no longer required as evidence, the owner will be
notified by mail that they have sixty days to claim the property or it will be
disposed of. Property unclaimed after the notification period has passed may
be destroyed, sold, or donated to charity.

28.2.11

Disposal
An item of unclaimed property must be evaluated to determine how it will be
disposed of. All property of value will be disposed of through an on-line
auction website such as, “propertyroom.com”. This does not include the
following:
A. Automotive vehicles which are covered by RCW Title 46.
B. Firearms which are covered by RCW Title 9.41.098 and RCW 63.40.010

28.2.12

Unclaimed Monies
Unclaimed monies will be transmitted to the County Treasurer, with a
Treasurer Cash Receipt form. The Treasurer will provide a cash register
receipt, which will show the date, the Sheriff’s case number and the amount
received. This receipt will be affixed to the Evidence/Property Form and
notation will be made for the item in the evidence computer, then forwarded
to records for inclusion in the case file.

28.2.13

Evidence Submitted as Court Exhibits
Items of evidence submitted to the court will have the cause number and
date placed on the Evidence/Property Form. The clerk receiving the
evidence will sign for the evidence. The appropriate annotation will be made
in the evidence computer for the evidence. Upon completion of the case, the
Evidence/Property Form will be submitted to the Records Section and will be
included in the case file.

28.3

INVENTORIES AND AUDITS

Whenever a new Evidence Sergeant, Evidence Detective, or Evidence Technician is designated, an
inventory of property will be completed within 120 days, depending upon the workload. The
inventory will ensure that the written property forms and the electronic inventory match the items in
the evidence vault. This will also ensure that evidentiary items are accounted for; and audits of
found property and other property that is owned, borrowed or rented by the agency are randomly
conducted.

28.3.1

Auditing the Evidence and Property Function
The Chief of Services will audit the evidence and property function each
quarter. The audit will be random, and consist of both the evidence and its
associated paperwork. The Chief of Services may use assistance from an
outside agency, when necessary, to ensure the objectivity of the audit.

28.3.2

Inspection by State Auditor
Unannounced audit inspection of the evidence and property room areas are
conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

28.3.3

Controlled Substances in Evidence
A random and unannounced field test will be conducted on controlled
substances held in evidence. This test will be at the Chief of Services’
discretion. Specific items to be tested will include marijuana, cocaine, and
methamphetamines. These items can be tested with field test packets and
require no special training by the personnel assigned. Other controlled
substances that require specific skills and certification will not be tested
unless the person is certified by the Washington State Patrol Crime
Laboratory to conduct these tests. The person(s) conducting the field test
will submit a letter to include the case number, time, date, item number and
results of the test to the Evidence Detective for inclusion with the quarterly
report within three (3) working days. Random testing of drugs held in
evidence will be limited to those cases that have been adjudicated or the
person conducting the test will obtain a court order to test a specific case or
item number from the Prosecutor who has jurisdiction of the case. In all
cases, the drugs that are tested will also be weighed before and after the test
and the weights indicated on the report.

28.3.4

Copy of Master Evidence List
A copy of the Master Evidence List will be prepared monthly and maintained
by the Evidence Sgt., to ensure integrity of the inventory and serve as a
back-up the computer system.

28.4

EVIDENCE/PROPERTY ROOM SECURITY

Items received by the Evidence Deputy/Technicians are primarily maintained in the evidence vault,
located at the courthouse. A second evidence storage area is located at the Thurston County
Vehicle Maintenance Shop. The evidence storage areas are secured with key and combination
locks. The types of locks used are security combination locks, a special, jail-door-type lock, and a
special, keyed padlock.

28.4.1

Vault Alarm Systems
The interior of the vault/storage areas are also armed with electronic
detection alarms. The alarm systems are as follows:
A. Vault (Courthouse): Infrared monitoring device monitored by the Master
Control Operators in the Thurston County Jail control room.
B. Storage Area (County Shop): VARDA (silent radio alarm), monitored by
CAPCOM and Thurston County Deputies.

28.4.2

Control of Vault/Storage Area
The vault/storage area is a controlled area and entry is only gained by being
accompanied by the Evidence Deputy/Technicians. Visitors are required to
sign in and must remain within visual sight of the Evidence
Deputy/Technicians.

28.4.3

Access to Vault/Storage Keys
The Evidence Deputy and Evidence Technicians are the only personnel who
have keys on their person and the combinations to the locks. The master
keys and combinations to the vault, storage and safes are located in the

Sheriff’s safe in a sealed envelope. The Sheriff’s safe is accessible to the
Sheriff alone.

28.4.4

Inventory of Keys
A sealed envelope containing the master keys and combinations are
inventoried by the Evidence Deputy and Technicians annually and then
returned to the Sheriff’s safe.

28.4.5

Safe Storage for High-Risk Items
The evidence vault contains combination safes for storage of controlled
substances, monies, jewelry and other high-risk items. Due to the quantity of
controlled substances, it may become impossible to store all of the above
items in the safes. In this event, the items sent to the Washington State
Patrol Laboratory and items tested in-house will be stored on the shelf in the
evidence vault/storage area until such time space in the safes becomes
available.

28.4.6

Changing of Combinations
Combinations to the vault and evidence storage area shall be changed
whenever the Evidence Detective or Technician is reassigned.

28.4.7

Entry in Absence of Evidence Personnel
Any entry into the vault or storage areas in the absence of the Evidence
Detective /Technician requires an incident report to be filed. This report will
include the date, time, circumstances and justification or authorization for
entry into the vault or storage area. The report will include the supervisor or
the senior Deputy responding who witnessed the entry and a summary of the
actions taken while these persons were in the vault or storage area. Each
person involved will be indicated in the report.

28.4.8

Alarm Activations
All alarm activations in the evidence vault and property storage area will
require a memo from the responding Deputy to the Evidence Detective. The
memo will include the date, time and circumstances, as appropriate. This will
ensure that the alarm system is checked by the Evidence Deputy/Technician,
to preclude further activations of the alarm system or to detect a possible
problem area.

28.4.9

Evidence Lockers
Evidence lockers provided for the use of Patrol Deputies and Detectives for
storage of evidence are located on the lower level, at the Thurston County
Sheriff's Office back entrance. These lockers are of metal construction with a
hasp for the combination lock.

28.5

SEIZURE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS-NOTIFICATION OF LANDLORD
(RCW 59-18-075)

Upon seizure of a legend drug pursuant to a violation of Chapter 69.41 RCW, or an imitation
controlled substance pursuant to a violation of Chapter 69.52 RCW, this office shall make a

reasonable attempt to discover the identity of the landlord and notify the landlord in writing, at the
last address listed in the property tax records and at any other address known to this office, of the
seizure and the location of the seizure of the illegal drugs or substances.
Report copies concerning the drug seizure may be released from this office to the landlord,
apartment manager, or legal representative on behalf of the landlord.

28.6

ASSET SIEZURES

It is the policy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to utilize the forfeiture provisions available in the
Revised Code of Washington and/or Federal Laws. This effort is intended to have a direct impact on
those individuals involved with criminal activity.
Asset seizure is the confiscation by the government of tainted property or assets used to commit a crime
or gained as a result of criminal activity. Forfeiture is the legal process by which the title or legal
ownership to the seized property is turned over to the government.
Asset forfeiture drug cases can be accomplished through either civil or criminal proceedings. Federal
criminal forfeiture is pursued under two laws, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO)
Act (18 U.S. 1962) or the Federal Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (21 U.S.C. 881).
Civil forfeiture proceedings are brought against property, not a person. Possession of the property may
not be illegal, but the property may be subject to seizure and forfeiture because of the way it was used.
Criminal forfeiture proceedings do not necessarily depend on the outcome of the criminal case against the
owner of the property. The defendant does not have to be convicted of the crime for the department to be
successful in the forfeiture proceeding.

28.6.1

Supervisory Responsibility
Each supervisor is responsible for reviewing offense reports and arrests by
members of their units to determine whether the possibility exists for the seizure
and forfeiture of property.
Items not to be seized include:
¾

Vehicles with less than $1,500 (one thousand five hundred dollars)
in value;

¾

Cellular phones and pagers;

¾

Money in the amount of less than $50 (fifty dollars).

If a supervisor or Deputy feels that the property seizure and forfeiture is
warranted, they will seize the involved property as evidence following TCSO
procedures.
The Deputy initiating the seizure will draw a separate case number and prepare a
report outlining the probable cause to believe that the property to be seized are
fruits of a crime and/or part of and ongoing illegal enterprise or instruments used to
facilitate the criminal act.
The seizure report will be forwarded through the chain of command to the Thurston
Narcotics Team (TNT) who will review the probable cause and determine the
appropriate course of action; seize the property or return it to the owner.

28.6.2

Hearing Determination
All Seizure/Forfeiture hearings will be conducted in accordance with WA State law,
and coordinated by TNT personnel.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

29.1

COMPENSATION

All Sheriff’s Office personnel are provided with complete and updated information on salaries,
overtime, and compensation matters.

29.1.1

Bargaining Unit Agreement
It is the responsibility of the Executive Aide to the Sheriff to provide a copy of
the current bargaining unit agreement to each member. It is the
responsibility of each member to reference the contract regarding
compensation issues.

29.1.2

Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
Those employees not covered by a bargaining unit agreement will be
provided information by the Human Resources Department of Thurston
County.

29.2

BENEFITS

Complete and updated information is provided to all members regarding the agency’s fringe benefits
program and county personnel rules by the Human Resources Department for Thurston County.
All other employee benefit information is routed to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Administrative Services Bureau for distribution to all employees.

29.2.1

Peer Support
Any agency member involved in any incident which causes suffering of stress
beyond normal levels, will be permitted immediate access to agencyapproved, trained peer-support personnel. The exact nature of interaction,
length of discussion and details surrounding the incident will be considered
confidential between the member and peer support personnel. Members will
also comply with:
-

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Policy - Post-Shooting
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Policy - Duty to Reply/Cooperated in
Disciplinary Matters.
And any state or federal laws.

Training
Peer support personnel will attend agency-authorized training prior to giving
peer support. Proof of training will be documented for the training deputy,
who will notify all relevant, first-line supervisors, sheriff’s Executive Aide and
each division for posting.

29.3

LEAVE

All Sheriff’s Office personnel will receive complete and updated information regarding leave matters.

29.3.1

Bargaining Unit Agreement
It is the responsibility of each bargaining unit member to reference the
current bargaining unit agreement regarding leave policies and accruals. If
an issue is not represented in the bargaining unit agreement then County
Personnel Rules shall prevail.

29.3.2

Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
Those employees not covered by a bargaining agreement shall refer to the
County Personnel Rules for reference regarding leave issues.

29.3.3

Record of Leave
The Sheriff’s Office Administrative Services Bureau shall maintain a record of
each employee’s leave accruals and time taken. A listing of all employees’
leave balances shall be provided on a monthly basis.

29.3.4

Request for Leave
Requests for leave shall generally be made in writing to member’s supervisor
at least five days in advance.

29.3.5

Sick Leave Notification to the Agency
When requesting to take sick leave time, employees will personally contact
the on-duty supervisor or others within their chain of command. Employees
will provide an estimate of how long they are expected to be absent from
duty. Any member unable to report for duty because of illness or injury must
notify the on-duty supervisor. Sudden onset of injury or illness or other
emergency circumstances are sufficient cause for departure from this
requirement. Any member who fails to report and does not have a bona-fide
excuse will be subject to disciplinary action.
Supervisors will require a written doctor’s explanation of the illness or injury
whenever the employee’s absence exceeds three days, consecutively.

29.4

INSURANCE RETIREMENT

All Sheriff’s Office personnel are provided with complete and updated information concerning any
retirement program(s), health insurance program(s), disability and death benefits, and agencyprovided professional liability protection.

29.4.1

Benefits Information
Information regarding insurance and retirement benefits for county
employees is provided by the Human Resources Department of Thurston
County.

29.4.2

Additional Information
The dissemination of any additional information regarding the benefits is the
responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

29.5

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

Physical, medical, and psychological examinations required by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
are provided at no cost to the employee.

29.6

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Members are required to maintain a level of physical fitness which will allow them to perform their
duties effectively. If a question arises as to a member’s ability to perform regular duties due to an
apparent low level of health or fitness, the member may be required to submit to a physician’s
examination.

29.7 EMPLOYEE TIME RECORDS (Telestaff)
The proper preparation and processing of employee time records (Telestaff) is vital to the effective
administration of payroll and the record keeping of overtime, vacation, and compensatory time,
which are required by the County of Thurston and the Washington State Auditors Office.

29.7.1

Pay Periods
Time periods normally run from the 1st day of the month to the last day of the
month.

29.7.2

Records Maintenance
Time records for every non-exempt employee will be maintained in the
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Accounting division.

29.7.3

Overtime
When overtime is worked, the employee shall properly document the time
worked in Telestaff. Overtime hours may be submitted as compensatory
time.

29.7.4

Supervisory Approval
A supervisor shall approve all overtime/compensatory time and make sure
that the correct category code (i.e.: patrol, K9, Dive, SWAT, etc.) is marked
for the overtime hours worked. All overtime and/or compensatory time will be
in accordance with the current bargaining agreement of that employee.
The employee’s supervisor shall review and approve all aspects of the
employee’s recordings (hours worked, vacation, sick, overtime, etc.) in
Telestaff in an appropriate and timely manner.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

30.1 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT AND ROLE OF THE SHERIFF’S
OFFICE
Sheriff’s Office employees are represented by one of the following except employees holding the
rank of Captain or above:
A.

Thurston County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association – for Deputy Sheriff personnel and
Administrative Support staff.

B.

Local 618CD of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees and the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – for Corrections
Deputies and Corrections Technicians.

30.1.1

Management Role
The role of the Sheriff’s Office management in the collective bargaining
process is carried out by the Undersheriff, at the direction of the Sheriff,
concerning issues of work hours and conditions of employment. Final
contract approval is by the county commission. Administrative responsibility
is by the commission, and includes the employee union. All efforts shall be
made to comply with the terms of the union contracts.

30.2

DISSEMINATION OF BARGAINING AGREEMENT

Bargaining agreement copies are the responsibility of the employer, via the Board of County
Commissioners. The Sheriff will assure distribution of any recent or newly negotiated agreements to
all employees affected by these agreements.

30.3

SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL

The Sheriff, through the Undersheriff, will inform and train supervisory and management personnel,
if necessary, of collective bargaining agreements affecting personnel under their supervision.

30.4

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COMPLIANCE

There are no written directives necessary to ensure compliance with the bargaining agreements.
Each agreement stands alone, and includes a process for reaching a determination should the two
parties to the agreement be at odds as to any language meaning. Each party to the agreements has
the obligation and duty to ensure the other party to the agreement is in compliance.
To the extent that the Collective Bargaining Agreement conflicts with these policies, the Collective
Bargaining Agreement will govern.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

31.1

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

A resolution of a grievance is a remedy sought concerning only issues covered in the collective
bargaining unit contract(s). The procedures and timelines are outlined in the respective collective
bargaining unit agreements.
Probationary employee provisions are addressed in the bargaining unit contract and civil service
rules.
Captains and above are governed under the Thurston County Sheriff’s management pay system,
Civil Service Rules and County Personnel Rules.

31.1.1

Grievance Procedure Coordination
Grievance procedure coordination responsibility is governed by the
bargaining unit contracts.

31.2

CONTENTS OF GRIEVANCE

Each member of the Sheriff’s Office should consult their respective collective bargaining agreement
for procedure and time line for grievance methods. at a minimum, each grievance will include:
A. A written statement of the grievance and the information upon which it is based;
B. A written specification of the alleged wrongful act, including any resultant harm; and
C. A written description of the remedy, adjustment or other corrective action sought.

31.3

GRIEVANCE CONTROLS/APPEALS AND RECORDS

Resolution of staff grievances are outlined in the current Sheriff’s Office collective bargaining
employee contracts or county Personnel Rules. These rules set the time line and sequence of
handling for presenting and responding to grievances.

31.3.1

Informal Resolution of Potential Grievances
The Sheriff’s Office encourages informal resolution of potential grievances.
Staff members are encouraged to resolve potential grievances through verbal
discussion with their supervisor. Supervisors may arrange meetings with
their superiors as they deem necessary.

31.3.2

Appeals of Decisions of Grievance Matters
Appeals of any decisions of grievance matters are determined by employee
contract. Decisions by arbitrators shall be final and binding upon the parties
to the grievance, provided the arbitrator shall have no power to add to,
subtract from or otherwise modify or amend any terms of the employee
contract agreements.

An employee may elect to pursue an appeal to the Civil Service Commission
when the employee is not covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

31.3.3

Records of Grievances
Records of grievances resulting in discipline are maintained in internal affairs
or employee personnel files, stored by the Sheriff’s Executive Aide.
A.

Records of grievances involving a pay-related issue or dispute are
maintained by the employee Association.

B.

Boards or Arbitrators will maintain their own system of records
keeping.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

32.1

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The objective of this policy is to provide citizens with a fair and effective avenue for redress of their
legitimate grievances against law enforcement officers and members and, by the same token, to
protect members from false charges of misconduct or wrongdoing and provide accused members
with due process safeguards. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office seeks to maintain its integrity
and that of its members. In so doing, the Sheriff’s Office shall not hesitate to impose disciplinary
actions on guilty members, to remove from employment those members who prove to be unfit for
law enforcement work, and to dismiss unjustified allegations against innocent members. For specific
information see the Professional Standards Investigative Procedure.

32.1.1

Potential Complaints
Members who have a reason to believe that a complaint may be filed arising
from their actions, are encouraged to immediately notify their supervisor and
disclose the reason(s) for their belief that a complaint may be filed.

32.1.2

Notification of Illegal Activity
If the complaint is in regards to illegal activity, the relevant Chief Deputy will
conduct the investigation or assign it to another member of the Command
Staff with approval of the Sheriff. The investigation may be forwarded to
another criminal justice agency for investigation.

32.2

CATEGORIES OF COMPLAINTS
A. Crime: Complaint regarding the involvement in illegal behavior, such as bribery,
theft, perjury or narcotics violations.
B. Excessive Force: Complaint regarding the use or threatened use of force against a
person.
C. Arrest: Complaint that the restraint of a person’s liberty was improper or unjustified.
D. Entry: Complaint that entry into a building or onto a property was improper and/or
that excessive force was used against property to gain entry.
E. Search: Complaint that the search of a person or their property was improper, in
violation of established procedure or unjustified.
F. Harassment: Complaint that the taking, failing to take, or method of law enforcement
action was predicated upon factors irrelevant, such as race, attire, sex, age, etc.
G. Demeanor: Complaint regarding an office member’s bearing, gestures, language or
other action which are offensive or of doubtful social propriety, or gives the
appearance of conflict of interest, misuse of influence or lack of jurisdiction or
authority.
H. Serious Rule Infractions: Complaint such as insubordination, drunkenness on duty,
sleeping on duty, neglect of duty, false statements.

32.3

RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL OR POSITION FOR THE
INTERNAL AFFAIRS/PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT
FUNCTION

The Undersheriff is responsible for all internal affairs functions for the Sheriff’s Office. The
Undersheriff may delegate to those in authority deemed appropriate.

32.4

INTERNAL AFFAIR POLICY DISSEMINATION

The internal affairs policy will be included in all agency-wide policy manuals, and will be distributed
to all personnel.

32.5

CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

Complaints against members which allege criminal violation may be grounds for commencing a
criminal investigation. This action will not serve to prevent the internal disciplinary process from
dealing with the same matter. The member will be given every right due any other person who is
suspected of a crime. Any internal investigation will cease when a criminal violation is suspected.
The member will then be given the advisement of constitutional rights, and afforded immediate
opportunity to obtain counsel prior to being asked to give a statement. Invocation of rights shall not
be regarded as failure to cooperate in the internal investigation. All aspects of the criminal
investigation shall be subject to the rules of discovery in criminal cases.

32.6

COMPLAINTS AGAINST THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S
OFFICE AND PERSONNEL

It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of employee misconduct
or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency member. It is intended to be fair to all concerned, to
assure the public of a thorough inquiry, and protect these same members from false or frivolous
complaints.

32.6.1

Duty to Report Misconduct
Employees will report any major violation of officer orders, neglect of duty, or
illegal conduct by any member of the office to their supervisors or division
supervisor. Failure to do so will constitute a violation of regulations.
Supervisors and division supervisors will take immediate, appropriate action
on such reports.

32.7

MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS FILES

The Sheriff’s Executive Aide will maintain internal investigation files in a secure area. Files are not
part of personnel files, but numbered separately by year and sequential number. Internal findings
only are entered in the personnel files.
Lawfully required release of files to public view will be:
A. Only by the Sheriff or designee.
B. After all officers named in the potentially released documents have been given at
least 24 hours notice before the file is released.
C. After copies of those documents are provided to those same officers within that 24hour period.

32.7.1

Internal Investigations Retention Schedule
Allegations are that:
1. SUSTAINED – may be retained indefinitely, at the discretion of the
Sheriff.
2. NOT SUSTAINED – retained for the remainder of the current year.
Findings of disciplinary actions shall be retained in respective personnel
files indefinitely at the discretion of the Sheriff, unless otherwise specified
by bargaining unit agreement.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

33.1

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTING PROGRAM

The Records Division Supervisor will be responsible to cause preparation of daily, monthly and
annual reports, and then prepare statistical and data summaries based on those reports. That
information shall be forwarded to the Chief Deputies and Mid-managers for the purpose of planning
for the allocation of resources to address responses to identifiable, law enforcement concerns.
An accurate flow of information is essential to the office’s operations. Reports are the official
memory of the office. For this reason, members must accurately complete all required reports and
forms. Because much of the information coming to the attention of the office is of a confidential
nature, members will not divulge the content of reports, records, or other Office information except
as authorized.

33.1.1

Purpose of Reports
Generally, if a member takes any action, there should be a written notation of
it. This can vary from a brief note in a notebook to writing multiple reports,
depending on the specific circumstances.
1. Accurate records protect the office and the member from unwarranted
accusations of malfeasance or nonfeasance.
2. Reports ensure that information about investigations is continuously
available. Reports are necessary for trying the facts. They also inform
personnel of existing crime problems and assist in the identification of
suspects, property, etc.
3. Reports provide statistical data useful in determining crime patterns, the
deployment of manpower for selective enforcement, personnel needs,
the effect of crime prevention, and in preparing budget requests.

33.1.2

Approved Reports/Forms
Only approved Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reports and forms shall be
utilized by members.

33.1.3

Individual Responsibilities
Members, while on duty, shall carry the report forms and related materials to
properly perform their assigned duties. Members shall have approval of their
submitted reports before going off duty.

33.1.4

Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible to ensure that the following is adhered to:
1. All reports, including supplemental reports must be completed by the end
of shift and include:
A. Full heading (dates, time, correct code and case numbers).

B. Correct Spelling.
C. Date of birth and appropriate identifiers on all persons involved.
D. The report text must flow in a logical manner and have enough
content to answer the questions – who, what, when, where, why, and
how.
E. The report, if an arrest has been made, must include elements of the
crime supporting probable cause.
F. Approve the report.
The supervisor will ensure that all paperwork is appropriately routed.

33.1.5

General Guidelines for Report Writing
The following guidelines will ensure comprehension, ease in handling, and
efficiency in writing most reports.
1. Reports will be accurate and legible. They must present a clear, concise
picture of the incident. Reports should be written utilizing the RMS Report
Writing Module. In the event of technical difficulties with the RMS,
reports should be typed for easy reading and reproduction.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

34.1

RECORDS INTEGRITY

The Sheriff’s Office Records Section will assure the integrity of records of the agency. Members will
regard all information concerning the official business operations and policies of the office as
confidential and will not release such information unless its release is specifically permitted. Any
person requesting such information should be told to submit the request in writing to the Sheriff’s
Office. Requests for information by other law enforcement or criminal justice agencies shall be
referred to a supervisor.
It is the policy of this office to keep all information contained in the agency’s criminal history record
files confidential and secure as per the state Privacy and Security Act (RCW 10.97), except in
instances where the law requires dissemination, or allows dissemination, which serves a legitimate
law enforcement or other public interest function as per the state Public Disclosure Law (RCW
42.17).
Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) consists of any information containing individual
identification of a person together with a record of that individual’s involvement as an alleged or
convicted offender. Criminal Justice agencies are eligible to receive CHRI. Requests for CHRI will
be referred to records personnel for processing.
All criminal history records shall be given to and kept by the records section in accordance with WAC
365-50-010 through 365-50-560.
The records vault will be accessible only to authorized personnel. Anyone needing information from
the records system shall contact a records employee. Anyone needing information from the records
system shall submit a records request form to records personnel. The records request form shall
explain what information is being requested. A 24-hour notice will be required when submitting a
records request under normal circumstances. Emergency or urgent requests will be handled by
records personnel immediately, however these requests will be approved by the Chief of Services.
Requests involving time-consuming projects such as research will be handled as time allows.
Original records may be removed when cleared by Records staff and when clearly necessary by
explanation. Records copying will be either by Records staff or under their supervision.
Any and all files removed will be by log entry and return file completion, without exception.

34.1.1

Access to Records
Access to police records is restricted to sworn personnel and records bureau
personnel. The Records Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the
integrity of police records. Only detectives and sergeants and higher-rank
have access after hours. The security door is keyed to match that entry
need.

34.1.2

Records Check Requests
All records check requests will be done by bureau personnel insofar as
practical. Deputies may access records with approval from records
personnel.

34.1.3

Falsification, Destruction of Records
Employees will not falsify, destroy, alter, or remove any report or record of
this Office. Anyone having knowledge of such behavior is required to report
it to his/her supervisor.

34.1.4

Dissemination of Records
Dissemination of records information will be limited to authorized criminal
justice user agencies. In the event that doubt exists as to the requesting
source, the request must be made in writing on official letterhead, or by
teletype.

34.1.5

Release of Office Information
Employees will not communicate, relay, or release any official Office
information to any person which would in any way hamper or compromise the
agency’s operations or investigations.

34.1.6

Accessing Information in Computer System
Accessing information in the computer system will be accomplished by those
personnel that have an authorized access code to log into the system.

34.2

WASHINGTON CRIME INFORMATION CENTER

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office maintains full participation in the Washington Crime Information
Center and, when applicable, the National Crime Information Center. All employees will strictly
adhere to all rules and regulations set forth by WSP ACCESS, regarding system information as it
relates to the use, dissemination, and destruction of information obtained.

34.2.1

ACCESS System
The ACCESS computer system is the property of the Washington State
Patrol. Operation of the system is to be conducted under the rules of the
ACCESS and WACIC procedure manuals. Information obtained through
ACCESS is restricted to use by law enforcement only. Dissemination of any
information obtained through Sheriff’s Office computers shall be strictly
controlled following TCSO policy, ACCESS procedures, and public disclosure
laws.

34.2.2

Certification Required
All users must have ACCESS certification and have received TCSO training
prior to using the Mobile Data Computers or sending inquiries to ACCESS.

34.3

WANTED, MISSING AND RUNAWAY PERSONS

Missing adult persons and wanted persons will be entered into the WACIC computer following
issuance or notification. The Sheriff’s Office will follow state laws relevant to wanted, missing and
runaway people, and will comply with the 1990 Child Assistance Act, Public Law No: 101-647.
Juvenile runaway and missing reports will immediately generate WACIC entries, upon complainant
notification to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. We assume children are at risk. The safety of

missing children is paramount. Thus, the response to missing and runaway children is to be without
delay.

34.4

WASHINGTON UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING

This agency maintains full participation with the Washington Uniform Crime Reporting System
(WIBRS) and the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

34.5

OFFICER SAFETY WACIC FILE

The Chief Deputy of Services is responsible for ensuring the entry of assault on officer data into
WACIC, based on law enforcement reports.

34.5.1

Purpose of the Officer Safety File
The Officer Safety Data Base is intended to provide protection to the police
officer/Deputy Sheriff when they contact an individual who has exhibited
assaultive behavior during an arrest situation. This file will be available statewide and all wanted inquiries will be checked against it.

34.5.2

Criteria for Entry Into WACIC
Entry of records in the Officer Safety Data Base is restricted to law
enforcement agencies and correctional agencies. An individual can be
entered when they have been placed in physical custody or under arrest by a
law enforcement officer for any offense and have exhibited assaultive
behavior toward a law enforcement officer.
Records entered must be supported by documented incident and/or arrest
reports wherein threats were made and reported, or where actual assaults
occurred leading to the reasonable conclusion that the individual poses a
threat in encounters with law enforcement officers.

34.5.3

First Degree Assault/Officer Killed
If the incident is First Degree Assault, or Officer Killed, the subject remains in
the computer system forever, otherwise the name stays in for three years,
per NCIC criteria. NCIC allows re-entry of the subject into WACIC for three
additional years, following purging.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

35.1

CRIME ANALYSIS FUNCTION

All Thurston County Sheriff's Office members will document criminal information. Field Incident and
follow-up reports of any type will be completed that may suggest criminal activity and a need to be
collected, collated, analyzed and disseminated. The DSSI Records Management System will be the
storage facility whenever possible, to accommodate information sharing. The crime analysis
information will be made available to the Chief Deputy of Operations for development of goals,
annual enforcement strategies, objectives, and long-range planning. The Records Custodian,
Detective Division supervisors, Patrol Division supervisors and Specialty Unit supervisors will keep
the Chief Deputy of Operations informed by monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly or yearly crime reports, as
required by the Chief Deputy of Operations.

35.2

REGULAR AND SPECIAL BRIEFINGS

Uniform crime report data is available on the DSSI System, and is able to be complied on a monthly,
quarterly, bi-yearly and yearly basis. Crime trends or patterns discovered by any employee will be
shared with the chain of command and between divisions. The Chief Deputy of Operations is
responsible for special briefings for the Undersheriff or Sheriff whenever new, unusual, or dangerous
trends have developed. These briefings will occur during the Administrative staff meetings or more
frequently, as determined by a specific need conveyed by the Sheriff, or as dictated by the onset of a
particular crime problem or trend.
The purpose of these briefings to the Sheriff includes:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

Address current or projected crime trends or patterns.
Assist in the development of budget, strategic planning and personnel development.
Or for public discussion and media relations, voice and electronic mail,
memorandums, telephone contact and in-person communications may be used to
brief the Sheriff.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

36.1

PLANNING AND RESEARCH FUNCTION

The planning and research duties are done through the joint cooperation of the Operations and
Services Chief Deputies, who are responsible for assuring the preparation of an annual analysis of
operational activities by type, location, time, and date. Also the dissemination of analytical reports to
affected personnel and organizational components.

36.1.1

Providing Policy/Exercising Discretion
The Chief Deputy of Operations is responsible to assure the study of
significant policing problems and recommends policy changes and additions.
All the chiefs will monitor and suggest improvements in the office internal
communications and operational effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office.

36.1.2

Single-Use Plans
Specific needs may require single-use plans with defined needs, objectives,
scope, purpose, method for its implementation and means to evaluate
effectiveness. Post-plan execution critiquing is for further development of
standing procedures, methods or policy, and intended to be a positive effort
to improve our systems.

36.1.3

Planning Committee
A planning committee will be convened by the Undersheriff on at least an
annual basis. Administrative staff meetings may also used as a substitute to
this process. The planning purposes include:
A. The research of the potential of systems and equipment to improve the
operation of the agency.
B. Monitoring efficiency and evaluating performance of existing and newlyacquired systems and equipment.
C. Conducting and supervising surveys and collection of information to be
used in administrative and procedural analysis and program
development.
D. Responding to requests for assistance from other divisions or bureaus.

36.2

MULTI-YEAR PLAN

All Sheriff’s Office Management Team members (Captains and above) will participate in single and
multi-year planning to efficiently enhance the budgeting and managing process. All available sources
will be considered in order to anticipate workload trends, personnel staffing needs, equipment, and
capital improvement needs. The Sheriff’s Office goals and operational objectives are determined by
long-range planning, and include but are not limited to community oriented law enforcement as a
major goal. Contiguous county data will be compared for known crime rate data, population and
housing changes, and any other relevant data, to project future needs and service to the public.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

37.1

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

By authority of RCW 36.28 the duties of the Sheriff include being the Chief Executive Officer and
conservator of the peace of the county. The Sheriff is also responsible for the overall fiscal
management of the elected office of Sheriff.

37.2

OTHER AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

The day to day fiscal management of the Sheriff’s Office budget is one of the duties of the
Undersheriff.
Purchase requisitions are completed for all purchases. Requisitions are routed through the
immediate supervisor, Bureau Chief, then fiscal approval by the Fiscal Manager, with final approval
by the Undersheriff.

37.3

BUDGET PREPARATION

The Bureau Chiefs are responsible for participating in budget preparation, including the preparation
of written recommendations based on operation and activity analysis. The Fiscal Manager is
responsible for compiling the budget document for approval by the Sheriff and presentation to the
County Commissioners.

37.4

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

The Sheriff’s Office has an accounting system which includes the preparation of monthly expenditure
reports showing:
A.
B.
C.
D.

Initial appropriation of each BARS CODE.
Expenditures and encumbrances made during the reporting period.
Expenditures made year-to-date.
Balances remaining.

The Sheriff’s Office accounting system includes the preparation of monthly revenue reports
indicating:
A. Initial monthly revenue prediction for each revenue source.
B. Actual monthly revenue received for each revenue source.
C. Year-to-date revenue collections.
D. Revenue variance for the reporting period.

37.5

AUDITS

The Washington State Auditor’s Office conducts a yearly audit of all agencies within Thurston
County. Federal audits may also be conducted with federal grant recipient agencies.

The Fiscal Manager causes continual cash counts, fixed asset reviews, expenditure monitoring,
effectiveness and efficiency review.

37.6

CASH

It is the policy of the Sheriff’s Office to centralize agency accounting authority to collect and disperse
funds and safeguard those funds under the control of the Fiscal Manager. This Manager shall
examine each system to assume compliance with current Thurston County Financial policies and
procedures. This shall be in accordance also with the Washington State Budgeting and Accounting
Reporting System.

37.6.1

Financial Statements
The Administrative Services Bureau shall prepare monthly revenue and
expenditure budget reports. At the minimum, the Undersheriff and each
Chief will receive a complete copy of these monthly reports.

37.6.2

Internal Audits

The Fiscal Manager shall conduct audits of the Sheriff’s Office accounting functions quarterly. The
attached form shall be used in completing these audits, and the form shall be forwarded to the
accreditation manager. All documentation for audit compliance shall be attached to the audit form.
Daily Deposits to the County Treasurer
1,
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

37.7

Date Audit
Took Place

Comment:

Daily Deposits to the County Treasurer
Inmate Account balancing
OPTIONS account balancing
Civil Fee daily transaction balancing
Civil Fee monthly transaction balancing
Investigative Fund balancing
Petty Cash balancing

INVENTORY CONTROL

Under the direction and responsibility of the Fiscal Manager, the Administrative Services Bureau
shall maintain an inventory of all fixed assets, which shall be reviewed and updated annually.

37.8

PURCHASING

The Sheriff’s Office will require compliance with established procedures for equipment and supply
purchasing.

37.8.1

Purchase Requisitions
All purchases (with the exception of petty cash and ongoing services) require
a purchase requisition. Requisitions are found in the County’s financial
system (MUNIS). Requisitions are completed by the individual responsible
for ordering of the item or by a divisional designee. Purchase requisitions
are then forwarded electronically, as follows:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Funding authorization approval by the Fiscal Manager.
Appropriate supervisor approval.
Bureau Chief approval.
Approval for purchase by the Undersheriff.

All purchases shall comply with the purchasing policy, as noted in the
Thurston County Administrative Manual.

37.8.2

Bidding Procedures
All personnel shall comply with the bidding requirements, as noted in the
Thurston County Administrative Manual. If bid requirements are needed,
then all personnel shall inform the Fiscal Manager and receive further
instruction.

37.9

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

Emergency purchases exceeding $50.00 require approval of a Bureau Chief.

37.10

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

When approved by the Sheriff, supplemental or emergency appropriations will be sought from the
Board of County Commissioners. The Fiscal Manager will complete all the necessary resolutions for
approval by the County Commissioners.
Budget line transfers may be made by the accounting section upon approval of the Fiscal Manager.

37.11

CONTRACTURAL SERVICES

The provision or receipt of any contractual services by the agency is effected and governed by an
appropriate written agreement.
The Fiscal Manager is responsible for the maintenance and filing of all agreements and contracts.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

38.1

SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office will maintain dispatching service by contract with CAPCOM.
CAPCOM is a county-wide telephone and dispatch operation with a single access public safety
telephone answering point and provides all public safety dispatching (with the exception of the
Washington State Patrol) through the use of enhanced 9-1-1.

38.1.1

Answering the Telephone
The telephone is the primary means by which the public request the services
of this office.
Employees will conduct telephone conversations in a courteous manner and
will attempt to see that the caller receives any and all Sheriff’s Office services
that are needed.

38.1.2

Personal calls
No employee will charge personal, long-distance telephone calls to the
county. All Sheriff’s Office, long-distance calls shall be placed through the
SCAN network.

38.1.3

Communications Services
The Sheriff’s Office agreement with Capcom is to serve the public
continually, 24-hour-per-day, in communications.

38.1.4

Communications System
The intergovernmental agreement with CAPCOM is for radio, telephone,
teletype and computer-aided dispatch services for all member agencies.
Messages sent or received in the teletype will be regarded as the official
business of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office and will not be divulged to
persons outside the office unless considered necessary for Sheriff’s Office
operations. All teletype messages sent by deputies will be cleared by the
shift supervisor before sending. Teletype will be used whenever possible to
replace long distance telephone.

38.1.5

Common Procedures
Radio communications procedures will be followed by all members of this
office as defined in the CAPCOM “Radio Procedures Manuals”, which is
provided to each agency. Standardized procedures and radio languages are
defined in the manual.

38.1.6

Criminal History Information
Radio broadcast of criminal history information, booking information and
citation information is prohibited. All procedures shall be in common
language.

38.1.7

Call Signs
Radio calls signs are assigned to each unit according to its designed
function. Communications between CAPCOM and field units will be
conducted in a businesslike manner, using proper language and radio
procedure.

38.1.8

Status
Field units will keep CAPCOM advised of their service status during the shift.
Whenever a field unit is out of service for any reason, the unit will notify
dispatch, give a location and briefly state the nature of activity.

38.1.9

Cooperation
Full reciprocal cooperation between the radio dispatcher and all units,
regardless of rank, shall be exercised by the personnel of this agency.
Deployment of field strength and resources must be made with continuity and
rapidity. These decisions must be placed with the individual having the most
information available. While on-scene supervision is concerned with the
single incident at hand, dispatch is concerned with multiple, simultaneous
incidents.
Should the Shift Supervisor, or their designee, choose to override the
dispatcher’s judgment, that Shift Supervisor shall assume full responsibility
for the response to all incidents within the affected area until control reverts
to the dispatcher. The selection of methods and tactics to be used in the
resolution of any single incident remains with the individual field deputies and
supervisors.

38.1.10

Violations
Violations of radio procedures or causes for complaint from dispatchers or
field units shall be reported to the complainant’s supervisor and processed
through the proper chain of command. Unit supervisors are responsible for
ensuring that all complaints and violations noted are processed.

38.1.11

Personnel
Through the use of primary and secondary tactical frequencies, local law
enforcement agencies can communicate within the group (system) or switch
channels and communicate with adjacent jurisdictions.

38.1.12

Discipline
Any unauthorized entry into files or computer programs by employees is
grounds for immediate discipline action.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

39.1

CUSTODIAL CARE STANDARDS

The Thurston County Corrections Facility shall operate in compliance with the Thurston County
Sheriff's Office policies and internal procedures, as set forth by the Chief Deputy of Corrections.
To ensure guideline compliance with the jail standards and agency policies and procedures, an
annual inspection of the facility shall be conducted as directed by the Thurston County Sheriff. A
person not in the Corrections Bureau chain of command will conduct the inspections.

39.2

LEGAL ADVICE

Legal advice for the Thurston County Sheriff's Office is provided by the Thurston County Prosecuting
Attorney. A Deputy Prosecutor is designated by the County Prosecutor to serve as the Sheriff’s
Office legal advisor.

39.1.1

Civil Litigation
The Sheriff has an interest in any civil action involving any employee. The
following general directive provides means of assuring that the Sheriff will be
notified when a civil suit is contemplated or commenced.
1. Initiating Suits
Employees shall not bring a civil action against any person for damages
sustained in the line of duty without first reporting the case to the Sheriff.
2. Being Named as a Respondent
Any employee who becomes aware that they will be named as a
respondent in a civil action growing out of that employee’s acting in an
official capacity, whether on or off duty, will immediately notify the Sheriff
of such action.
3. Subpoenas Relating to Office Business or Operations
Any employee who is served with a subpoena or other legal process relating
to the business, operations, policies, or procedures of the office will inform
their division Chief immediately.

39.3

LIABILITY INSURANCE

The County of Thurston provides insurance for all its employees, including the Sheriff’s employees,
through a system of self-insurance. The loss liability fund is managed by the County’s Insurance
Risk Fund in the Human Resources Department.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

40.1

BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

The Sheriff’s Office will adhere to the Thurston County Exposure Control Plan and the related WAC,
as well as WISHA guidelines, as they relate to the blood-borne pathogen protections against
occupational exposure. The primary work practice control methods of protection are:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

40.1.1

The Exposure Control Plan.
Engineering and work practice controls.
Personal protective equipment.
Housekeeping.
Hepatitis B vaccinations for those in job classifications or tasks
determined to be reasonably at risk of exposure covered in the
control plan.
Post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up.
Labeling, communication and training.
Decontamination and laundry.
Waste management.
Recordkeeping.

Health Risk Notification
Employees and volunteers will receive a notification of the known health
risks, if any, as they may relate to any assignment to an at-risk classification
duty. Training on HIV/Hepatitis B matters is mandatory for all full-time, parttime, and temporary employees in any at-risk classification. Training for
volunteers of the Sheriff’s Office is voluntary, but recommended.
Vaccinations for volunteers are also voluntary and are made available at the
county cost rate.

40.1.2

Matters Affecting Inmates
Inmates found to have clothing contaminated with human blood or other
potentially infectious materials will place their clothing in double-plastic
bagged containers, which shall be identified with the Bio-Hazard label.
Examples are such as:
The following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal
fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic
fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated
with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to
differentiate between body fluids.
County clothing will be provided during incarceration. Soiled clothing will be
sealed in a Bio-Hazard bag and placed into the inmate’s property, until the
release of the inmate.
Only trained agency personnel will do work in any hazardous duty. All food
service workers shall follow recommended standards and practices of good
personal hygiene and food sanitation. They shall exercise care to avoid

injury to the hands when preparing food. Should an injury occur, both
aesthetic and sanitary considerations dictate that food contaminated with
blood be discarded.

40.1.3

Personnel Compliance
All Thurston County Sheriff's Office personnel will be held accountable for
utilizing personal protective equipment when in at-risk situations. Violations
of this policy or procedures are subject to discipline.

40.1.4

Annual Policy Review
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office management will annually review and
update, if possible, the agency’s Blood-borne Pathogen policy and
procedures.

THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
CLASSIFICATION
Deputy Sheriff
Operations Sergeant
Lieutenant
Captain
Chief Deputy Operations
Evidence Technician
Sheriff
Undersheriff
Chief Deputy Service Bureau
Services Sergeant
Services Deputy
Chief Deputy Corrections
Corrections Lieutenant
Corrections Sergeant
Corrections Deputy

EXP
YES
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

EXP
NO

ANTICIPATED METHOD OF EVIDENCE
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Arrest/Evidence
First Aid/Evidence/Searching/Detention
First Aid/Evidence/Searching/Detention
First Aid/Evidence/Searching/Detention
First Aid/Evidence/Searching/Detention

THURSTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
COLLATERAL PLAN
CLASSIFICATION
Food Services Supervisor
Food Services Asst. Supervisor
Food Services Specialist

EXP
YES
X
X
X

EXP
NO

ANTICIPATED METHOD OF EXPOSURE
First Aid/Confrontation/Intervention
First Aid/Confrontation/Intervention
First Aid/Confrontation/Intervention

40.2

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
ACT (HIPAA) OF 1996

County Resolutions #12939 and #12940 are found on the Thurston County Intranet, and see
Thurston County Administrative Manual Policy 45.1, also on the intranet.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office requires initial and annual training on HIPAA, and changes may
well be expected. The County recognizes the information technical manager as security officer on
HIPAA compliance. The Undersheriff is specifically responsible to assure initial and annual training
to Thurston County Sheriff's Office Corrections Bureau, Accounting Office, and other members of the
office of the Sheriff who are covered under HIPAA.
The Act affects the daily operation of the Sheriff’s Office, involving the sharing of medical and mental
health information of inmates, employees and all members of Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
A. Protected Health Information (PHI) means information in any form – oral, electronic
or printed – which identifies an individual and relates to a person’s physical or mental
health. PHI excludes individually identifiable health information in employment
records held by the Sheriff’s Office. The Corrections Bureau will protect inmate
medical and mental health records and deal with implied consent by individuals.
Records Section will lock up and not release any medical information, other than to a
victim, and will protect an individual’s right to privacy and will protect from view any
computer screen or hard copy of medical or mental health information.
B. On criminal case investigations, members will acquire a proper release form, when
asking for medical information on a victim, from the attending physician, and
disclosed only on a need-to-know basis. Investigators should respect limitations
placed on emergency response personnel who follow the same requirements.
C. All members will not divulge medical mental health, or sick information of anyone
unless expressed permission is given by the person affected. This includes the
involvement of former agency members. Sometimes, their spouse can assist in what
that person may want people to know. Supervisors should avoid asking detail when
members calling in sick leave requests for leave.
D. Violation of the HIPAA law, County resolutions and this policy, could result in a
criminal penalty. Violation could also result in termination of employment.

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

HIPAA CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
As a Sheriff’s employee, or any other agency member of Thurston County, you have the
responsibility of maintaining the confidentiality of all records and health care information. By signing
this statement, you agree to the following:
™ I understand that all client and Thurston County employee information, records, and health
care information compiled, obtained, maintained, reviewed or observed by me in the course
of my duties are confidential. I agree not to disclose or otherwise make known to any
unauthorized persons any information regarding the same, unless so directed by a Thurston
County Supervisor, or if the person(s) affected otherwise authorizes disclosure of medical
concerns.
™ No otherwise privileged information, whether written or oral, will be shared with family
members and/or friends.
™ I understand that I am not to read information, records and health care information
concerning clients and case reports or any other confidential documents for my own personal
information, but only to the extent and for the purpose of enabling me to perform my
assigned duties.
™ Discussions regarding clients or employees will be held in staff offices/areas or other places
where privacy is assured. I will not discuss any identifying information except in the
performance of job-related duties, being especially mindful that these discussions do not
occur in hallways, elevators, lavatories, lunchrooms or other public areas.
™ All charts, notes and other written material concerning a client or employee, will be filed in a
secure place when I am not using the information.
™ When working on network files on a computer, I will log off when I am finished or leave my
work station for an extended period of time, to prevent access to confidential files and
databases.
™ Violation of this agreement and HIPAA law may result in criminal penalty.
______________________________________
Printed Name
_____________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________
Thurston County Representative Signature

_________________
Date

Office of the Sheriff

THURSTON COUNTY

DEFINITIONS
Academy:
A facility where agency training programs are conducted. The facility usually houses classrooms,
gymnasium, library, and offices for academy instructors and staff. Other facilities, such as a firing range
and drive-training track, are usually considered to be part of the academy but may not necessarily be
located at the same site. The academy may be located at or near headquarters, on the campus of an
institution of high education, or at some other location.
Accountability of Authority:
Any person designated by competent authority or holding an acting rank shall have the complete powers
of that rank or position. TCSO deputies are accountable for the use of delegated authority, empowered to
them under color of their badge, position, and/or rank and to the use of delegated authority under all State
of Washington and County of Thurston laws and commissions of authority.
Active Intelligence Information:
Consists of that which is currently being investigated.
Actual Strength:
The total number of persons currently employed in an agency.
Adjustment:
To resolve a juvenile case on an informational basis.
Administrative Review:
An investigation conducted to determine whether a deputy has violated any provision of this code, or any
agency rule or regulation; or whether a deputy is impaired or unfit to perform the duties and
responsibilities of a peace officer.
Advanced Training:
Training often held outside the agency and designed to impart higher level supervisory and management
skills to participants. Participants who are most often chosen for such training possess above average
leadership skills. Examples of advanced training programs are those provided by the FBI National
Academy, the Southern Police Institute, and the Northwestern University Traffic Institute.
Adverse Impact:
A substantially different rate of selection (generally less than 80 percent) that works to the disadvantage
of members of a race, sex, or ethnic group; an unfavorable effect.
Advertisement:
The direct or indirect contact between an agency and the general public by way of printed publications or
broadcast announcements.
Affirmative Action Plan:
A written plan for recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting minorities and women.
Allotment:
An authorization for, or limitation on, expenditures for a given period. For example, the agency may be
appropriated a certain amount for an entire budget year, but may be authorized to spend only one-fourth
of the amount during any quarter allotment period.
Analysis of Intelligence Information:
An examination of all the parts of the whole of the information.

Appointment/Selection Rate (Ratio):
The number of candidates who achieve entry-level probationary status divided by the total number
seeking employment.
Appropriation:
Money that the agency is authorized to spend for a specific purpose, such as for personnel services,
operating expenses, supplies, etc.
Area Patrol:
Patrol or stationary observation in an area or beat that includes a number of streets, roads or sections of
highway.
Assessment Center:
Consists of a standardized evaluation of behavior based on multiple inputs. Multiple trained observers
and techniques are used. Judgments about behavior are made, in part, from specially developed
assessment simulations. These judgments are pooled by the assessors at an evaluation meeting during
which assessment data are reported and discussed and the assessors agree on the evaluation of the
dimensions and any overall evaluation that is made.
Authoritative Inspection:
A term that is sometimes used for “line” inspection. See below.
Authorized Strength:
The number of personnel legally or officially sanctioned by the agency’s government.
Auxiliary:
A civilian affiliated with the law enforcement agency in part-time, unsalaried, non-sworn capacity because
of their interest in contributing to the agency’s role in a support capacity.
Available Strength:
The largest potential group or number of individuals eligible, qualified, and capable of assuming specific
activities and responsibilities.
Bailiff:
A court officer who guards the jurors, maintains order in the courtroom, announces the opening and
closing of court, calls witnesses and other persons to appear in court, attends to other matters under the
court’s direction, and may maintain secure custody of the defendants while in court. Their duties may
include both security and clerical functions.
Beat:
A geographic area assigned to a patrol deputy. The term “beat” applies to the area patrolled by a deputy
in a vehicle.
Bi-Monthly:
Every other month; every second month.
Bio-Hazard:
The existence of a condition which may pose a threat of illness to a human from contact with a biological
material. Usually need to describe something contaminated.
Bio-Hazard Label:
A label affixed to containers of regulated waste, or container of blood or other potentially infectious
materials. Universally recognizable and must be used to ship or store containers of contaminated
materials.
Blood:
Human blood, human blood products, and products made from human blood.
Blood borne Pathogens:
Disease causing (pathogenic) microorganisms that are present in blood. Including, but not limited to,
Hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, and syphilis.

Body Fluids:
Fluids that have been recognized by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as directly linked to the
transmission of HIV and/or HBV to which universal precautions apply: blood, semen, blood products,
vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and
concentrated HIV or HBV viruses.
Booking:
A procedure for admitting to a holding facility a person charged with an offense; includes searching,
fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, collecting personal history data, and inventorying and
storing a person’s property.
Budgeted Strength:
The number of personnel for who funds have been authorized for a given period. This number can, but
does not necessarily have to, coincide with authorized strength.
Bureau:
A primary subdivision with responsibility of providing a specific specialized function as required by law
(Operations).
Bureau Commander:
The commanding deputy, or chief, of a bureau.
Candidates:
Persons seeking employment who have completed a formal application.
Career Counseling:
The relationship (process) between trained counselor and employee that is designed to facilitate an
employee’s career choices; understanding of career goals; and achievement of career goals through
meaningful, well-informed choices.
Career Development Activities:
An organized and supervised set of duties or functions designed to stimulate learning (e.g., counseling,
training, job rotations).
Career Development In-Service Training:
A training process used to provide an advanced level of instruction that enhances an employee’s overall
potential for upward mobility and/or job satisfaction.
Career Specialty:
An area of interest or specialization that enhances the upward mobility and/or job satisfaction of an
employee.
Chain of Command:
Lines of communication going downward or upward within the organizational hierarchy through each
successive level of command.
Chain of Evidence:
The continuity of custody of material and items collected as physical evidence, whether at the crime
scene or not. The connotation, under the law, is that the item or material introduced subsequently into
the court at the time of the trial be proven to be the same as that obtained initially by the crime scene
specialist, the investigator, or some other person delivered to the laboratory for examination.
Circle System:
A series of fixed roadblocks intended to contain a vehicle or suspect in a given area.
Circulation Patterns:
Concern the movement of persons from place to place and for purposes of these standards are divided
into three distinct routes. The first pattern is for the movement of the general public, who are usually
allowed free movement from place to place, excluding restricted areas. The second pattern provides
controlled access in areas used by judges, officers of the court, or visitors whose presence is under
control; in many instances this pattern is also used to move prisoners under escort from a detention area
to court and back. The third pattern is under the control of sworn law enforcement officers or custodial

officers and is used exclusively for the movement of prisoners and may contain holding areas. The
secure area is inaccessible by other than authorized personnel.
Citation:
Any traffic enforcement action that involves a written notice to the accused to appear and that
contemplates trial adjudication or disposition to determine the guilt or innocence of the person charged
with a violation.
Civil Process:
A civil arrest is made pursuant to a written order by a judge of a competent jurisdiction in a civil action or
proceeding. Such written orders may be given by a supreme court, the family court, district court, or the
surrogate’s court. Depending upon the area of the country.
Civilian Employee:
All personnel of the office or such county employees who are assigned to the Agency, who have not
taken the oath of office and who are not authorized to make arrests.
Class:
A grouping of jobs for which duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and conditions of employment are
sufficiently alike to justify the same treatment with respect to personnel practices. (See “Position” below
for a differentiation among class, job, and position.)
Class Specification:
An official statement or guideline about the general duties, responsibilities, and qualifications involved in
the kinds of jobs included in the same class.
Code Driving:
Emergency driving, using lights and/or siren, under circumstances outlined by policy.
Code Zebra:
An alert for a multi-jurisdictional response plan to apprehend suspects fleeing from major crimes.
Collation of Intelligence Information:
The process of forecasting of a developing modus operandi (MO) through the comparison of raw data.
Collation of Intelligence Information:
The process of gathering of raw data from public information or a confidential source from study.
Collision Diagram:
A diagram of an intersection or section of roadway on which reported accidents are shown by arrows
indicating direction approach and interrelated maneuvers (not necessarily to scale).
Commissioned Deputy:
A Thurston County Sheriff’s Deputy who meets the same criteria as set out in RCW 10.93.070 for that of
a general authority peace officer. In addition to any other powers vested by law, a general authority
Washington peace officer who possesses a certificate of basic law enforcement training or a certificate of
equivalency or has been exempted form the requirement therefore by the Washington State Criminal
Justice Training Commission may enforce the traffic or criminal laws of this state throughout the territorial
bounds of this state, under the following enumerated circumstances:
(1) Upon the prior written consent of the sheriff or chief of police in whose primary territorial
jurisdiction the exercise of the powers occurs;
(2) In response to an emergency involving an immediate threat to human life or property;
(3) In response to a request for assistance pursuant to a mutual law enforcement assistance
agreement with the agency of primary territorial jurisdiction or in response to the request of a
peace officer with enforcement authority;
(4) When the deputy is transporting a prisoner;
(5) When the deputy is executing an arrest warrant or search warrant; or
(6) When the deputy is in fresh pursuit, as defined in RCW 10.93.120. [1985 c 89 7.]
NOTE: Commissioned means also the law enforcement field, not the corrections field of service.

Commissioned Member:
A member of the Sheriff’s Office commissioned depending on need, as needed by the Sheriff.
Community’s Languages:
Languages used by ethnic or racial groups living within the agency service area.
Compensation Program:
A description of the complete salary plan of the agency, including the basic salary levels for all classes of
positions and all forms of compensation provided by the agency.
Concealed Observation:
Stationary observation in which the observer is not visible to persons, using ordinary powers of
observation, from the roadway being observed.
Concurrent:
Having equal jurisdiction or authority.
Condition Diagram:
A map of an intersection or section of roadway showing all objects and physical conditions having a
bearing on traffic movement.
Consent Letter:
A letter from Sheriff or Chief of Police granting Peace Officer powers within their jurisdiction to certain
specified law enforcement agencies.
Construct Validity:
The identification and measurement of the characteristics or traits believed to be important to successful
job performance; must be demonstrated by statistical data.
Contaminated:
The presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on
a person or on something which could reasonably be anticipated to come in contact with a person. This
includes: clothing, personal protective equipment, work equipment and materials.
Contaminated Laundry:
Laundry which has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or may contain sharps.
Contaminated Sharps:
Contaminated objects that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to needles, scalpels, broken
glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires.
Content Validity:
The justification of a component of the selection process by showing that it measures a significant part of
the job.
Contraband:
Items that are not permitted within a holding facility because of their illegality or possible use to disrupt
security measures within the facility.
Corrections Deputy:
Those individuals who have been statutorily trained and so directed to provide for the supervision, care,
custody and control of individuals legally detained through city, county, state and/or federal jurisdiction.
Counseling:
The giving of advice, advising. As used: discussions between the rated employee and rater leading to
advice to the former concerning performance.
Course:
A body of prescribed study about a specific topic.

Court:
A judicial officer or the room or space where judicial officers conduct trials, hearings, or other judicial
activities.
Courthouse Security Officer:
A person who is responsible for the security of the courthouse. In some jurisdictions their responsibility
may be limited to the courtrooms and related spaces, such as judge’s chambers, jury deliberation rooms,
and spaces occupied by officers of the court.
Crime Scene:
The location where the crime occurred or where the indication of the crime exists.
Crime Scene Processing:
The specific actions taken at the crime or accident scene, consisting of the taking of photographs,
preparing the crime accident sketch, and the collecting and preserving of physical evidence.
Crime Scene Processor:
The person or persons charged with the responsibility for processing the crime scene, but whose primary
duties are different, such as a patrol deputy or investigator.
Crime Scene Sketch:
A drawing, usually a planar projection, of the crime scene, to scale and showing all of the significant
aspects of the crime scene.
Crime Scene Specialist:
A person who processes the crime scene, who may have a higher level of training than the crime scene
processor and whose primary duty is crime scene processing.
Crime/Forensic Laboratory:
A crime laboratory is defined as a laboratory that employs one or more full-time criminalists whose
principal function is the examination of physical evidence for law enforcement agencies in criminal
matters and who provide testimony with respect to such physical evidence to the criminal justice system.
Criminal Process:
Those writs, summonses, mandates, warrants, or other process issuing from a court of law compelling a
person to answer for a felony or misdemeanor. This term also includes process issued to aid in crime
detection or suppression, such as search warrants.
Crisis Intervention:
Training that is designed to modify or enhance performance in specific crisis situations, such as family
conflicts, spousal abuse, disturbances, rape, and homicides.
Criterion-Related Validity:
The justification of a component of the selection process by showing that it is predictive or correlated with
important elements of the job; must be demonstrated by statistical data.
Cultural Environment:
The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits that influence the life of an individual or
community.
Curriculum:
A series of courses related to a specific kind of training program.
Custody:
Legal or physical control of a person; legal, supervisory or physical responsibility for a person.
Cut-Off Score/Passing Point:
The numerical result of a valid and useful test or examination used to determine minimum eligibility.
Deadly Force:
The intentional application of force through the use of firearms or any other means reasonably likely to
cause death or serious physical injury.

Decentralized Location:
An extension of a central location to designated sites in outlying areas.
Decompression Dive:
Any dive that requires necessary delays in ascents to eliminate excess nitrogen.
Decompression Meters:
Electronic instrument which automatically calculates residual nitrogen time in minutes and displays
additional time and depth limits.
Decontamination:
The clean-up of a contaminated surface by use of a chemical or mechanical means. Decontamination is
designed to destroy blood-borne pathogens to a point where they are no longer infectious. The result of
decontamination is that the surface is rendered safe for handling by people. The contaminated surface
shall be decontaminated as soon as possible.
Decoy Operation:
Any one of various techniques for simulating a potential crime victim, with surveillance maintained by
deputies (usually in plain clothes) in a position to make arrests.
Deputy:
Any person commissioned by the Sheriff to carry out a law enforcement function.
Detail:
A subordinate part of a squad or unit, and the assignment may be temporary or permanent.
Detainee:
A person who, having been detained, is held in a holding facility for not more than 72 hours. Such
persons are held in the holding facility pending arraignment, release, adjudication, or transfer to another
facility.
Direct Order:
A command, given by a superior deputy and emphasized with these words, so there will be no
misunderstanding between the parties.
Disciplinary Rules:
Specify an unacceptable level of conduct for all Deputies, regardless of their rank or the nature of their
assignment. Any peace officer who violates any agency rule that applies to these Canons and Standards
is guilty of unprofessional conduct, and is subject to disciplinary action. Violation of disciplinary rules
requires appropriate adjudication and disciplinary action ranging from oral reprimand to termination and/or
criminal prosecution or other administrative action sanctioned by law, as dictated by the individual case.
District:
Patrol districts are geographic areas manned by patrol deputies, and are supervised by watch
commanders.
Dive Tables:
Used to gauge excess nitrogen in your body so you can determine your maximum safe time and depth
limits.
Dive Team Leader:
Person assigned by the Lead Diver to be present and take charge of diving operations.
Diversion:
In the broadest sense, any procedure that (1) substitutes monetary for official entry into the justice
process, (2) substitutes the suspension of criminal or juvenile proceedings for continuation, (3) substitutes
lesser supervision or referral to a non-justice agency or no supervision for conventional supervision, or (4)
substitutes any kind of non-confinement status for confinement.

Division:

The secondary subdivision and the principal subordinate part of a bureau, assigned to perform part of the
responsibility of a bureau, and performing primarily line functions.
Division Commander:
The commanding deputy of a division.
Domestic Violence:
Physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between household members or the infliction of fear of imminent
sexual assault by a family or household member upon another. A family or household member means a
spouse or former spouses; adult persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently
residing together or have resided together in the past, or persons who have a child in common,
regardless of whether they have been married or lived together at any time.
Emergency Medical Care:
Initial attention (1) life-threatening situations, including airway care, pulmonary and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation, control of bleeding, and prevention of shock; (2) injuries, including soft tissue injuries,
internal injuries, and fractures; and (3) heart attack stroke, diabetic coma, insulin shock, epileptic attack,
emergency childbirth, alcohol and drug abuse, ingested and inhaled poison, bites and stings, and
exposure to heat and cold.
Emergency Medical Care Equipment and Supplies:
It is assumed that the first responder will have necessary emergency care equipment and supplies. The
equipment presumed to be available is as follows: triangular and roller-type bandages, universal
dressing/gauze pads and occlusive dressing, adhesive tape, bandage shears, eye protector (paper cup or
cone), stick (for impaled object/tourniquet), blanket, pillow, upper and lower extremity split sets, oxygen
equipment and masks, *bag-valve-mask resuscitator, *and oropharyngeal airways (adult and child).*
Emergency Situation:
An actual or potential condition that poses an immediate threat to life or property. In the context of mutual
aid, it means a situation that exceeds the capability of a local agency to counteract successfully.
Emotional Stability/Psychological Fitness Examination:
Professional screening designed to identify candidate behavior patterns and/or personality traits that may
prove either deleterious or advantageous to successful job performance.
Employee:
Any permanent, extra-hire or reserve of the Sheriff’s Office. For purposes of matters regarding bloodborne pathogens, an employee is someone whose position is in an at-risk job classification.
Encumbrance:
A commitment in the form of an order, contract, salary, or similar item that will become payable when
goods are delivered or services rendered.
Enforcement Procedures:
The fundamental rights of an accused deputy which are applicable to a disciplinary investigation or
proceeding against the deputy.
Engineering Controls:
The use of mechanical devices to isolate or remove people from coming into contact with blood or other
potentially infectious materials, or remove the blood-borne pathogens hazards from the workplace. Some
examples are plastic sheet barriers, sharp rigid disposal containers for waste, and tongs.
Entry Level:
The state at which a person is first employed in a position.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The provision of equitable opportunities for employment and conditions of employment to all employees
regardless of race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, or physical impairment.

Essential Persons:

Designated staff and detainees are essential persons. All other persons are considered to be
nonessential persons.
Ethical Standards:
Statements which express in general terms standards of a professional conduct expected of Deputies in
their relationship with the public, the criminal justice system, and the peace officer profession. They
represent the objectives toward which every peace officer shall strive. They constitute principles that can
be relied upon by a peace officer for guidance in specific situations.
Evaluation Checklist:
A tool used in evaluating the effectiveness of the career counseling process. Indicated on the checklist
are the criteria that determine whether the employee has reached an effective performance level in the
area of career development.
Evaluation of Intelligence Information:
To determine the worth or significance of raw information by care appraisal or study.
Execution:
The performance of an act required by the writ, warrant, or other process commanding the seizure of a
person or thing, as opposed to mere delivery of an instrument without any concomitant seizure. For the
purpose of this chapter, an attachment is deemed an execution.
Exposure:
Reasonably anticipated skin, eye mucous membrane, or parental contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials that may result from performance of employee’s duties.
Exposure Control:
The use of engineering controls, personal protective equipment, education, and enforcement to control
exposures to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Exposure Control Plan:
The written document, which is required by law, identifies regulations to protect employees from exposure
to blood and other potentially infectious materials. It is Thurston County Sheriff's Office policy and is
required to be read, understood, and followed by all employees, in all operations.
Exposure Incident:
A specific eye, mouth, or other bodily contact with blood or other potentially infectious material or with a
contaminated surface which results from performance of an employee’s duties.
Exposure Source:
The person, living or dead, or item which is the cause of the exposure incident. If it is a person, that
person is referred to as a Source Individual for documentation.
External Training:
Any in-service training available beyond roll call or in-house programs.
Fairness:
Resulting in a minimum adverse impact.
Field Interview:
The stopping and questioning of a person by a law enforcement officer because the officer (1) has
reasonable suspicion that the subject may have committed, may be committing, or maybe about to
commit a crime, (2) believes the subject may be a hazard, or (3) believes the interview may have a
preventive effect.
Field Training Deputy (FTO):
A deputy who has been carefully selected and trained to deliver the field training program to recruit
deputies.

Field Training:

A structured and closely-supervised program provided to recruit deputies to facilitate the application of
skills and knowledge obtained in the academy/classroom to actual performance in on-the-job situations.
Firearm:
A weapon that expels a projectile by means of exploding or expanding gases.
Fixed Roadblock:
A full or partial roadblock established at a fixed point.
Follow-Up Investigation:
An extension of the preliminary investigation. The purpose is to provide additional investigation in order
to close a case, arrest an offender, and/or recover stolen property. The investigation may include the
following ACTIVITIES: (1) identifying and apprehending the offender; (2) collecting, preserving,
analyzing, and evaluating evidence; (3) recovering stolen property; (4) interviewing victims and witnesses;
(5) interrogating suspects; (6) determining in detail the exact circumstances of offense; (7) determining if
other crimes may have been committed by the suspect; (8) reporting information obtained; and (9)
preparing case for court presentation.
Foreign Jurisdiction:
Another municipality, county, state, or nation. For the purposes of this chapter, a foreign jurisdiction is
one in which the agency has no legal authority to serve or execute process by use of its own personnel.
Foreign Process:
Any writ, warrant, mandate, order or other process, either civil or criminal, originating in a foreign
jurisdiction and intended to be served or executed in the agency’s jurisdiction.
Formal Application:
A written form used to express interest in employment and to request information on a person’s basic
occupational qualification, work experience, educational background, training, and specific skills or
abilities.
Formal Discipline:
The final adjudication of administrative or disciplinary charges.
Function:
The general term for the required or expected activity of an organizational component; e.g., the patrol
function, the communication function, the planning function.
General Assistance:
Services of non-emergency nature provided by agency personnel, such as providing information or
directions, assisting stranded or disabled motorists, etc.
General Order:
Services of non-emergency nature provided by agency personnel, such as providing information or
directions, assisting stranded or disabled motorists, etc.
Grids:
A geographical square with sides of one mile. Thurston County is divided into grids beginning at the
northwest corner.
Handicapped Prisoner:
A prisoner with an anatomical, psychological, or mental impairment that hinders mobility.
Handwashing Facility:
A facility providing running potable water, soap, and single use towel or drying machines.
Hazardous Traffic Law Violation:
Violation of any law, ordinance, or regulation affecting the use or protection of streets or highways and
enacted primarily to regulate the same movement of vehicles and pedestrians. There are two categories
of this violation: (1) unsafe behavior – an action or omission in traffic that is hazardous even when
vehicles, streets or highways and people involved are in legal condition; (2) unsafe condition – causing

and permitting an illegal and possibly hazardous condition of a driver or pedestrian in traffic, streets or
highways used by traffic, and/or vehicle used in traffic.
HBV:
The B type virus of Hepatitis. There are also four other types, A, C, D, & E. HBV is the only type with a
vaccine. There is a 40 – 180 day incubation period from the time a person contracts the virus. Some of
the complications of the virus are: chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer.
High-Risk Trial:
A trial by nature which indicates a serious security threat or can provoke a strong emotional response
from the general public or interested groups. That response may threaten the safety of those involved or
lessen the integrity of the judicial process.
Highway:
The entire width between the boundary lines of every way public maintained when any part thereof is
open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic, a street, or a publicly maintained trafficway.
HIV:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The precursor to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). There
is no vaccine for HIV.
Holding Facility
A temporary confinement facility for which the custodial authority is usually less then 72 hours and where
detainees are held pending release, arraignment, adjudication, or transfer to another facility. Excluded
from this definition are rooms, areas, or space provided for processing, questioning, or testing a detainee
when the detainee is under continuous supervision and control of agency personnel within the room, area
or space and for a period of time not to exceed two hours.
Hyperbaric:
Increased atmospheric pressure.
Identifying Information:
Any data included in personnel records and selection materials that directly or indirectly make a specific
individual recognizable or known.
Improper Conduct:
The allegation is true; the action of the agency or the deputy was inconsistent with agency policy.
In Custody:
Being under the full control of an escort deputy during transportation.
In Transit:
State of being transported, such as when an escort deputy moves a prisoner from point or origin to the
destination.
In-Service Training:
Training in addition to recruit training, which may include periodic retraining or refresher training,
specialized training, career development, promotional training, advanced training, and roll-call training.
Inactive Intelligence Information:
Consists of that information that requires no further follow-up and is closed or pending until further
information becomes available.
Incident:
An event that requires law enforcement action or the dispatching of deputies in response to citizen
requests for law enforcement services. This includes any incident, whether criminal or non-criminal, for
which there has been a response to the scene, an investigation, or the preparation of an oral or written
report.

Informed Consent:
A voluntary agreement to participate in an activity and/or allow an activity or procedure to be performed
based upon the availability of all pertinent information and the ability to understand the consequences of
the agreement decision.
Initial Application:
A written form (referred to as a pre-application contact card) used to express a person’s general interest
in employment; it provides the prospective employer with such basic information as the person’s name,
address, age, telephone number, and the position desired.
Instructional Material:
Training guides, bulletins, and checklists.
Instrument for Detection of Deception:
A mechanical apparatus designed for the detection of deception by measuring and recording changes in
a person’s voice characteristics or respiration and heart activity.
Insufficient Evidence:
There is insufficient proof to confirm or to refute the allegation.
Intake:
The point at which a juvenile offender enters the juvenile justice system. “Intake” may be initiated on
request of the law enforcement agency, but the intake process is generally supervised by a probation
agency, juvenile court, or special intake unit.
Intelligence:
The end product of four distinct processes; collection, evaluation, collation, and analysis of raw data on
individual organizations suspected of being or known to be criminal in nature. Prior to processing, raw
data or information is not intelligence.
Inventory:
An itemized list of skills, knowledge, and abilities used to evaluate personal characteristics.
Job:
One or more positions with duties and responsibilities that are identical in all significant respects so that a
single descriptive title can be used to identify the work done by incumbents. (See “Position” below for the
differentiation among class, job, duties of the job.)
Job Analysis:
A systematic examination of the functions and objectives of each job to be performed as it related to the
skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform the tasks or duties of the job.
Job Classification:
A detailed written statement that (1) identifies the characteristics of various positions (jobs) by assigning
job titles and job specifications, (2) arranges positions according to a logical plan that groups those with
common characteristics, and (3) establishes minimum qualifications and equitable salaries for each
group.
Job Related:
A procedure, test, or requirement either predictive or job indicative of the work behavior expected or
necessary in the position.
Job Task:
A description of what an employee does, for what purpose, on instructions from whom, when and where,
and with what materials and equipment.
Job Task Analysis:
A systematic examination of the functions and objectives of each job to be performed as it relates to the
skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform the tasks or duties of the job.
Jurisdiction:
The extent of authority and control of an official to act over a particular subject or a geographical area.

Lateral Entry:
A personnel practice that permits employees from within or outside the agency to be selected for a
position and be exempted from all or part of the agency’s selection process for that position; if the
employees met the minimum qualifications of the employing agency, they are not necessarily subjected to
the total selection process.
Law Enforcement Services Under Contract:
The provision of paid law enforcement services in accordance with a written contract. This does not
encompass a situation in which an individual performs services for an agency under a personal services
contract.
Legal Process:
Any item of civil or criminal process, whether original, intermediate, or final that is valid on its face and is
to be served or executed by the law enforcement agency.
Length of Service:
From the date of the oath of office was administered as a regularly employed police officer or the date the
civilian employee was regularly placed on the county payroll.
Lesson Plan:
A detailed guide from which an instructor teaches. The plan includes the goals, specific subject matter,
performance objectives, references, resources, and method of evaluating or testing students.
License Health Care Professional:
A person whose legally permitted scope of practice allows them to perform the activities required by
subsection (6) of the law.
Line Inspection:
Inspection conducted by personnel in control of the persons, facilities, procedures, or other elements
being inspected. Line inspection may be carried out by any supervisor within the chain of command and
is often conducted by supervisory personnel who may also be responsible for ensuring that any
substandard conditions revealed in the inspection are corrected.
Line Patrol:
Moving patrol or stationary observation on a specified route between two points, usually on one street or
a section of a highway.
Line Safety Code:
The current manual published by the National Fire Protection Association specifying minimum standards
for fire safety necessary in the public interest. One chapter is devoted to correctional facilities.
Made Available To:
Means that the information cited is made easily accessible to each appropriate person. Posting on Office
bulletin boards, publishing in official Office publications or providing copies to each person are all
examples which satisfy this definition.
Magnetometer:
A device for measuring magnetic fields, used to detect ferrous and nonferrous metal objects in either
handheld or walk-through configurations; commonly known as a “metal detector.”
Maintain on File:
On hand; catalogued or recorded in an official written record (including microfilm, microfiche, or computer
printout) that is available for visual inspection in the agency.
Mandatory Training:
Obligated in-service training in any subject, deemed necessary and ordered by the Sheriff, which equals
or exceeds the State minimum standards.
Mantoux Test:
An intra-dermal tuberculin test used to identify persons infected with the tubercle bacillus.

Manual:
A collection of policies or procedures, rules and regulations, and/or other written directives.
Mass Media:
Printed/electronic means of communication designed to reach the general public.
Measurable Objectives:
A one-sentence statement of specific results that can be directly measured or determined; results that
determine not only the direction of change that may occur but also the degree or amount of that change.
Medical Consultation:
A consultation which takes place between an employee and a licensed medical professional for the
purpose of determining the employee’s medical condition resulting from exposure to blood or other
potentially infectious materials, as well as any further evaluation or treatment that is required.
Member:
Anyone directly connected to the office by employment, contract, volunteer organization, or appointment
by the Sheriff.
Memorandum:
An informal, written document that may or may not convey an order; it is generally used to clarify, inform,
or inquire.
Minimum Adverse Impact:
The use of selection components or procedures among all those available to reduce any unfavorable
effect to the greatest extent possible consistent with validity.
MMPI:
An abbreviation of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – a commonly used personality inventory.
Moving Roadblock:
Use of one or more moving vehicles to block the roadway and prevent approaching vehicles from
continuing.
Mucous Membrane:
By way of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Mutual Aid:
An exchange of services, personnel, and/or equipment between law enforcement agencies during times
of emergency.
Neighboring Jurisdiction:
A law enforcement agency in an adjoining city or other unit of local government; in the case of a county, a
city or other unit of local government within the county, or an adjoining county.
Necessary:
Includes meaning that no reasonably effective alternative to the use of force appeared to exist and that
the amount of force used was reasonable to effect the lawful purpose intended.
Non-Discriminatory Procedures:
Components of the selection or appointment process that have no demonstrable adverse impact (or a
minimum adverse impact) upon the selection or appointment rate of any race, sex, or ethnic group.
Non-Essential Persons:
See “Essential Persons”.
Non-Intact Skin Exposure:
By contact with an abrasion or open wound.
Non-Reportable Exposures:
The following examples are exposures which do not require formal reporting procedures.

1. Exposure to blood on intact skin; however, washing the exposed area is recommended, as
soon as possible.
2. Blood on clothing or equipment. It is recommended to change clothing and wash down
equipment as soon as possible.
3. Being present in the same room as the infected person.
4. Touching the infected person.
5. Talking to an infected person.
Occupational Exposure:
Reasonably anticipated non-intact skin, eye, mucous membrane, or potential contact with blood or other
potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duty.
Office:
The entire organization known as the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
On File:
On hand; catalogued or recorded in an official written record (including microfilm, microfiche or computer
printout) that is available for visual inspection in the agency.
On-The-Job Training:
Instruction or training provided to an employee by another employee or employees on a tutorial basis
during a tour of duty while the trainee performs normal activities of employment.
Order:
An order is an instruction given by a ranking deputy to a subordinate either verbally or in writing.
Organizational Component:
A subdivision of the agency, such as a bureau, division, section, or unit.
OSHA:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor; the Federal agency with
safety and health regulatory and enforcement authorities for most U.S. industry and business.
Other Potentially Infectious Materials:
1. All body fluids, except saliva, tears, and sweat. All bodily fluids visibly contaminated with
blood, and all bodily fluids which cannot be distinguished.
2. Any unfixed tissue or organ from a living or dead human.
3. HIV or HBV cells or tissue or blood, organs or tissue from experimental animals infected with
HIV or HBV.
Other Traffic Law Violations:
Violation of law, ordinance, or regulation affecting the use or protection of streets or highways but not
enacted primarily to regulate safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Parental:
Piercing mucous membranes or skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, and
abrasions.
Patrol:
The deployment of deputies to repress and prevent criminal activities, investigate offenses, apprehend
offenders, and furnish day-to-day law enforcement services to the community.
Peace Officer:
A fully commissioned regular or reserve deputy, and by extension and where applicable, any other paid or
volunteer member of the Sheriff’s Office.
Performance:
Something done or performed. As used: actions taken or omitted with regard to specific tasks or
assignments.

Performance Objective:
Statements of operational behavior required for satisfactory performance of a task, the conditions under
which the behavior is usually performed, and the criteria for satisfactory performance.
Permanent Shift:
The assignment of deputies to specific shift hours for an indefinite period of time.
Permanent Status:
The period of unconditional employment in a position following the completion of a probationary period.
Personal Equipment:
The apparatus or gear required by patrol deputies; includes, at a minimum, badge, baton and holder,
belts, cartridge carrier, Office and rank insignia, flashlight, handcuffs and case, notebook, raincoat and
cap cover, sidearm and holster.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Specialized clothing and equipment designed, issued and to be worn by an individual employee for the
protection of a hazardous environment. Regular work clothing not designed to protect against a
hazardous environment are not considered personal protective equipment.
Personnel Order:
An announcement of changes in the status of personnel, such as a transfer or promotion.
Physical Agility:
A candidate’s physical strength, endurance, coordination, and ease of movement as measured by a valid
and useful test.
Physical Arrest:
Any enforcement action that consists of taking persons into custody for the purpose of holding or
detaining them to answer a charge of law violation before the court.
Physical Plant:
The physical confines of the holding facility. The reception area for the facility, the sallyport, holding cells,
and related spaces are included. If used only for booking.
Physical Qualifications:
Any quality or ability pertaining to the body (i.e., hearing, height, weight, visual acuteness or sharpness,
physical fitness, physical agility) that has a bearing upon a candidate’s suitability for employment and
ability to perform the essential functions of the position held.
Physical Security Plan:
A plan concerning security of the physical aspects of an area, a structure, or areas within a structure.
Physical Use:
Any substance or material found or recovered in connection with a criminal investigation.
Point Traffic Control:
The control of vehicle and pedestrian movement at a particular place on a roadway, such as an
intersection.
Police Hazard:
Any situation, person, property, or place that may induce an incident calling for some law enforcement
action.
Policy:
A written directive that is a broad statement of agency principles. Policy statements may be characterized
by such words as “may” or “should” and usually do not establish fixed rules or set procedures for conduct
of a particular activity, but rather provide a framework for development of procedures and rules and
regulations. Policy is based upon the intent of the laws, the desires of the community, police ethics and
experience.

Policy Failure:
The allegation is true; the action of the agency or the deputy was not inconsistent with agency policy.
Polygraph Examination:
A mechanical apparatus designed for the detection of deception by measuring and recording changes in
a person’s respiration and heart activity.
Position:
The duties and responsibilities, or work, assignable to one employee. A position may be filled or vacant.
Post:
A fixed geographic location assigned to an individual deputy.
Preliminary Investigation:
Generally, the activity that begins when deputies arrive at the scene of an accident. The activity should
continue until such time as a postponement of the investigation or transfer of responsibility will not
jeopardize the successful completion of the investigation. The investigation usually includes the following
tasks: (1) providing aid to the injured; (2) protecting the crime scene to ensure that evidence is not lost or
contaminated; (3) determining if an offense has actually been committed, and if so, the exact nature of
the offense; (4) determining the identity of the suspect or suspects and effecting an arrest If it can be
accomplished either at the scene or through immediate pursuit; (5) furnishing other field units, through the
communications system, description, method and direction of flight, and other relevant information
concerning wanted persons or vehicles; (6) obtaining complete identification of all witnesses; (7)
determining what information is known by the victims and witnesses; (8) arranging for the collection of
evidence; (9) determining in detail the exact circumstances of the offense; (10) obtaining written
statements from victims and witnesses, and from the suspect if such statements can be obtained legally;
and (11) accurately and completely recording all pertinent information on the prescribed report forms.
Prisoner:
A person who has been arrested and taken into custody.
Private Sector Organization/Vendor:
Any business enterprise not under governmental control or ownership and capable of providing goods
and/or services to a law enforcement agency.
Probationary Period/Status:
A latter phase of the selection process represented by some form of conditional employment.
Procedure:
A written directive that is a guideline for carrying out agency activities. A procedure may be made
mandatory in tone through the use of “shall” rather than “should” or “must” rather than “may.” Procedures
sometimes allow some latitude and discretion in carrying out an activity. Procedure tells who does
something.
Processing:
As used in the third paragraph of the Introduction and in the definition of “Holding Facility” (above),
“processing” includes pre-booking activities involving detainees in custody, after which detainees may
either be released from custody by one of several means or they may be escorted to a holding facility, at
which time they would be booked. The Commission has exempted “rooms, areas, or space used for
processing, testing, etc.” from compliance with the standards if certain conditions are met, namely,
“continuous supervision and control” and “for a period of time not to exceed two hours.”
Proficiency:
The additional skills, knowledge, and abilities that are needed to remain competent in performing the
duties and responsibilities of a job.
Proper Conduct:
The allegation is not true; the ACTION of the agency or the deputy was consistent with agency policy.

Provided To:
Means a copy is “given to” each appropriate person. This phrase is more restrictive than the phrase
“made available to.” Posting on bulletin boards, inclusion in bulletins or memorandums which are not
physically provided to each person is not sufficient to meet this requirement.
Provider Agency:
An agency that provides services, equipment, or supplies from another agency.
Purged Intelligence Information:
That which is no longer accurate, relevant, or useful for follow-up activity.
Purified Protein Derivative (PPD):
The standard test material used in tuberculin testing.
Pursuit:
An active attempt by a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle to apprehend one or more occupants of
another moving motor vehicle, where the driver of the fleeing vehicle is aware of the attempt and is
resisting apprehension.
Quantitative Objection:
A specific result that can be directly measured or determined.
Quantitative Terms:
Expressions of, or relating to, determined or measured amounts.
Ranking Deputy:
A deputy having the highest rank or grade. Deputies having the same grade will rank according to the
date of their appointment to that grade unless otherwise directed by the Sheriff.
Rated Employee:
The employee whose performance is evaluated by the rater.
Rater:
The supervisor who evaluates the performance of a subordinate employee.
Rating:
The estimate of the value, worth, strength, capacity of, etc.; appraisal. As used: an indication of the
quality of performance or attributes.
Ratio:
The relationship is quantity, amount, or size between two elements; an indicator of the relative sizes of
quantities compared.
Raw Data:
The raw data from which intelligence is produced. This may be public information, or it may be
information gathered from a confidential source.
Reasonable Relief:
The facts or circumstances the deputy knows, or should know, are such as to cause an ordinary and
prudent person to act or think in a similar way under similar circumstances.
Recompression Chamber:
A chamber used to treat diving related injuries.
Recruit/Basic/Entry-Level Training:
The orientation of new deputies to their jobs and the development of basic law enforcement skills.
Recruitment Activities:
A systematic method of seeking potentially qualified job applicants.

Recruitment Literature:
A body of writing relating to methods of seeking qualified applicants for jobs.
Regular Deputy:
Full-time, commissioned (sworn) personnel placed on the payroll of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office,
(meaning the law enforcement field, not the correctional field of public service).
Regulated Wastes:
Any blood, liquid or dried or other potentially infectious materials, contaminated items which would
release blood or other potentially infectious materials, and any containers identified as containing a
biological hazard.
Remedial Training:
Personalized training to correct a specific deficiency, which is usually identified by either (1) testing or
other evaluation during training, or (2) supervisory evaluation during routine job performance.
Service:
The delivery of any item of civil process that is complete with the act of delivery and does not require
physical or legal seizure of a person or thing.
Shift:
A time division of the day for purposes of assignment, such as an eight-hour period. Shifts may be
consecutive eight-hour periods or they may overlap to meet unusual or peak loads.
Simulation:
An exercise or technique designed to elicit behaviors related to dimensions and performance on the job;
requires the participants to respond behaviorally to situational stimuli that parallel or resemble stimuli in
the work situations. Examples of simulations include group exercises, in-basket exercises, interview
simulations, fact-finding exercises, etc.
Skill:
A present, observable competence acquired or developed through experience and/or training.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities (SKA):
Skills are the proficiency with which an individual performs. Knowledge is a body of information or the
understanding gained through learning education, experience, or associations. Abilities are processes
required to perform the various job responsibilities.
Source Individual:
Any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of
occupational exposure to an employee.
Span of Control:
The number of persons reporting to any one supervisor.
Special Assignment:
Police service, the nature of which requires that members be excused from the performance of their
regular duties.
Special Event:
An activity, such as a parade, athletic contest, or public demonstration, that results in the need for traffic
control, crowds, or crimes.
Special Order:
A directive affecting only a specific segment of the organization or a statement of policy or procedure
regarding a specific circumstance or event that is of a temporary nature.
Special-Purpose Vehicle
A vehicle used because of consideration of weather, terrain, the need for inconspicuous appearance,
quietness, storage requirements, special operational needs, etc. Includes SWAT truck, mobile command
posts, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, aircraft, prisoner transport vehicles, and dive team
truck.

Specialized Assignment:
An assignment often characterized by increased levels of responsibility and specialized training, but
within a given position classification; a specialized assignment may involve higher pay or additional
benefits.
Specialized Training:
Training to enhance skills, knowledge, and abilities beyond the level taught in either recruit or other inservice programs. Specialized training may address supervisory, management, and/or executive
development training and may also include technical and job-specific subjects (e.g., homicide,
investigation, fingerprint examination, juvenile investigation, etc.)
Specialty Training:
That which is non-general, but rather narrow in scope to enhance a needed special area of law
enforcement.
Squad:
A subordinate part of a unit.
Staff Inspection:
Inspection conducted by personnel who do not have control of the persons, facilities, or procedures being
inspected. Staff inspectors in larger agencies are generally members of a specialized component
responsible for conducting inspections throughout the agency. The results of staff inspections are usually
reported to the agency’s chief executive officer.
Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System:
A radio communications network that permits the law enforcement agencies within the state to
communicate with each other directly, through another agency, or by means of a relay system.
Stationary Observation:
Traffic observations at a selected place, usually one with an unfavorable accident experience or traffic
flow problem, for traffic law enforcement purposes – especially to detect violations and deter possible
violators.
Status Offense:
An act or conduct declared by statute to be an offense, but only when committed or engaged in by a
juvenile, and that can be adjudicated only by a juvenile court.
Sterilize:
The method of total destruction of microbial life, including highly resistant bacteria.
Stress Management:
The ability to cope with the impact of various types of situations.
Superior Deputy:
One having supervisory responsibilities either temporarily or permanently over members of a lower rank.
Surveillance:
The identification and reporting of all tuberculosis cases.
SWAT:
An acronym for Special Weapons and Tactics. A SWAT team usually refers to a group of about five
deputies who have had special marksmanship training and who are equipped with shotguns, sniping
rifles, automatic weapons, climbing gear, and other specialized equipment useful in dealing with snipers,
barricaded persons, or hostage-takers.
Sworn Officer:
A commissioned law enforcement officer, subject to an oath of office and possessing those general peace
officer powers prescribed by constitution, statute, or ordinance in the jurisdiction, meaning the law
enforcement field, not the corrections field of public service.
Temporary Assignments:
Job tasks that are assigned for a limited time.

Traffic Accident Investigation:
Collection of factual information identifying and describing people, roads, and vehicles involved in an
accident; describing the results of the accident in terms of damage to vehicles and roadside objects,
injuries to people, marks and residue on the road, and final positions of vehicles and bodies;
interpretation of these facts in terms of behavior of road users involved; and sometimes, an attempt to
specify the peculiar combination of factors required to produce that particular accident.
Traffic Accident Reporting:
Basic data collection to identify and classify a traffic accident and the persons, vehicles, time/location,
planned movements involved, and possible contributing factors, such as traffic law violations.
Traffic Control Device:
All signs, signals, markings and devices placed on, over or adjacent to a street or highway by authority of
a public body or official having jurisdiction to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
Traffic Control Signal:
Any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately
directed to stop and permitted to proceed.
Traffic Engineering Authorities:
Persons responsible for traffic engineering in various local, regional, and state agencies (e.g., street or
highway department, public works department, transportation department).
Traffic Law Enforcement:
Law enforcement as it applies to statutes, ordinances, and legally authorized regulations relating to the
use of streets and highways and ownership and operation of motor vehicles and other road vehicles.
Traffic Law Enforcement Action:
The part of traffic law enforcement involving arrest, citation, or warning of any person alleged to have
violated a law, ordinance, or regulation pertaining to the use of traffic ways when the person has
knowledge of this action and when it is to (1) prevent such violation form endangering persons or property
or inconveniencing other users of the traffic way, (2) prevent continued violation, or (3) discourage
recurrences.
Traffic Law Violation:
Violation of any statue, ordinance, or legally authorized regulation relating to the use of streets and
highways or the operation of motor vehicles and other road vehicles.
Traffic Patrol:
The part of law enforcement traffic supervision that consists of driving or walking within an area or a
roadway for the purpose of providing protection, security, and service to the public.
Traffic Survey:
An examination of traffic characteristics, such as volume, speed, delay, accidents, origin, destination, etc.
Traffic way:
The entire width between property lines or other boundary lines of every way or place of which any part is
open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel as a matter or right of custom. All highways are traffic
ways, but traffic ways include also some areas on private property, such as shopping centers.
Transport Vehicle:
The vehicle used for transporting prisoners from one point to another. This term does not refer to
commercial vehicles, such as buses, trains, or airplanes, that may be used for prisoner transport.
Transporting Deputy:
A sworn law enforcement officer who is responsible for transporting a prisoner from one point to another.
Tuberculosis:
A bacterial infection which generally involves the lungs, usually transmitted by the inhalation of droplets in
the air which contain tubercle bacillus.

Undercover Surveillance/Stakeouts:
Activities that include plain clothes deputies assigned, for example, as clerks in stores targeted for
robberies or deputies (armed with shotguns or rifles) stationed on the inside or outside of an unoccupied
residence or business premises to apprehend burglars, etc.
Unencumbered Balance:
That part of an appropriation or allotment that has not been committed and is thus available for
expenditure.
Unfounded Complaint:
Either the allegation is demonstrably false or there is no credible evidence to support it.
Unit:
A subdivision of a division, usually small in size, with personnel assigned to perform a specialized activity.
Unit of Command:
The concept that each individual in the organization has one, and only one, immediate supervisor.
Universal Precautions:
An approach to control an exposure incident by considering all bodily fluids as containing HIV or HBV or
other potentially infectious materials.
Unsatisfactory Performance:
Employee behavior or work performance that is substandard and may lead to disciplinary action.
Update:
To revise or modify a plan, procedure, directive, etc. An “updating” can be simply affixing a new date on
a document (when no other changes are required) or can be a major revision.
Utility/Usefulness:
An assessment of the practical value of a component of the selection process based upon considerations
of validity, selection/appointment ration, the number of candidates to be selected, and the nature of the
job.
Validity:
Proof through statistical data that a given component of the selection process is job related either by
predicting a candidate’s job performance or by detecting important aspects of the work behavior related to
the position.
Verbal Warning:
A warning given orally without any written record.
Videographs:
Images of persons or objects recorded on a videocassette, videodisc, or other recording medium, by
means of videocamera, for playing back, as on a television set.
VIP:
A “very important person,” dignitary, famous personality, notorious person, or any other person in need of
special security.
Visible Observation:
Stationary observation by an observer in full view but so located, such as on a side street, that effort is
required by those in the traffic stream to discover the observer.
Visiting Diver:
Non-Thurston County Sheriff's Office employee diving under Thurston County Sheriff's Office auspices.
Watch Commander:
The commanding deputy of a watch or shift.

Work Behavior:
The manner of performance of one or more tasks (physical and mental) to achieve the objectives of the
job.
Work Practice Controls:
The control of an exposure incident by altering the method by which a job is performed.
Workload:
The sum total of cases and other measurable activities occurring within a given area or time period.
Written Directive:
Any written document used to guide or affect the performance or conduct of agency employees. The
term includes policies, procedures, rules and regulations, general orders, special orders. memorandums,
and instructional material.
Written Warning:
A warning in which the violator is given a written record of the action at the time of the violation and which
the violator may be required to acknowledge by signing.