King County Executive Dow Constantine appointed Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as the interim King County Sheriff, according to the Executive’s office.

In 2020, voters passed a charter amendment that changed the position of sheriff from elected to appointed. King County is currently conducting nationwide searches for candidates eligible to be the next appointed sheriff, according to the Executive’s office.

Cole-Tindall has worked for the King County Sheriff’s Office since 2015. Prior to this appointment, she worked as the undersheriff. As the undersheriff, Cole-Tindall is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the sheriff’s office strategic plan and the complaint and use of force processes.

“Patti’s background and experience in the Sheriff’s Office and across County government — working with labor, serving her community, and demonstrating integrity and transparency — make her uniquely qualified to step into this interim role,” Constantine said.

Prior to working in the sheriff’s office, Cole-Tindall worked as the county’s Director of Labor Relations and advised the county on labor policy, strategic planning and employment law.

“I am honored to serve as the Interim Sheriff, and will be working closely with my management teams to support and lead the people of the KCSO until the new Sheriff is appointed,” Cole-Tindall said. “During this transition, my mission is clear: support our workforce, ensure a smooth transition, and listen to the communities we serve as we re-imagine law enforcement in King County.”

Cole-Tindall’s first day as sheriff will be Jan. 1, 2022, and she will serve until a new sheriff is appointed in the summer of 2022, according to the Executive’s office.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee made recommendations for hiring a new sheriff. The recommendations include a strong background in law enforcement and a commitment to equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues, according to the Executive’s office.