North Bend Unanimously Votes to Transition Police Services to King County Sheriff from Snoqualmie

The North Bend City Council has made a unanimous decision to shift its police services to the King County Sheriff's Office, ending over a decade-long arrangement with the City of Snoqualmie. This move comes as a part of a strategic overhaul following a thorough assessment of security service alternatives for the city. According to a recent announcement, the council hopes this change will usher in a new era of professionalism in law enforcement for its citizens.

Diligence marked the process which lead to the Council's vote on Tuesday, wherein they affirmed an interlocal agreement (ILA) with King County. The termination of the existing contract with Snoqualmie will precede an 18-month transitional period. “We have spent a fair amount of time on this as a group. I look forward to being in a relationship with the King County Sheriff’s Office. The breadth, depth and professionalism that they bring to the job is, I think, second to none,” Mayor Pro Tem Joselyn shared during the meeting, reported the City of North Bend.

The collaborative nature of the decision-making process, involving multiple agencies and exhaustive evaluations, reflects the city's commitment to enhancing public safety services. As per the ILA requirements, North Bend will issue an 18-month notice to Snoqualmie, ensuring a smooth handover of law enforcement duties to their new partners. Residents and businesses of North Bend can expect to see the King County Sheriff's Office officially stepping into their policing role by November 30, 2026.

The City of North Bend has expressed gratitude towards the Snoqualmie Police Department for their years of dedicated service. Mayor Miller extended a heartfelt thanks to all parties involved for their collective efforts during the transition. For those interested in the Council's deliberation, the Tuesday's meeting can be revisited via the city’s Media Center webpage or on YouTube.