A Message from Sheriff Johnson

Strategic Reorganization: New Training Division Coming January 2026

Starting on November 1, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office will begin an internal strategic reorganization designed to strengthen our agency and enhance how we serve our community with the creation of a new Training Division, beginning January 1, 2026. 

We are excited about advancing our skills with the new Training Division, which will include stronger leadership development, a formal mentorship program, enhanced pre- and post-academy training, and furthering of wellness and retention plans that can be duplicated department wide.  Our current training staff already do phenomenal work, and this change will provide improved structure and support, while allowing another division to focus on recruiting and hiring, for long-term organizational resiliency.

DVS Donation Drive

Our Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Snohomish County Donation Drive continues through the end of October, and the response has been incredible.  It’s inspiring to see such generosity from our community as we support DVS’s emergency shelter and programs. During times of financial challenge and budget constraints, these acts of kindness truly make a difference for victims and families in need.  A special thank you to everyone in our community who has donated so far! 

2025-2026 Budget Update

As many of you know, this year marked our county’s first biennial budget process.  Across the county, departments are navigating tight budgets and increased costs, just like you and your family.  Our office is working closely with the Executive’s Office, County Council, and our finance team to do our best to reduce costs and prioritize resources.  We will be working together to apply for appropriate grants to offset costs, including the newest state grant for public safety funding. 

These are challenging times, and I want to THANK ALL OF OUR STAFF for maintaining critical services through their extraordinary efforts, as our industry continues to have challenges with finding the right people to fill these demanding jobs.  Our motto, “Honor in Service,” continues to guide us as we work together to keep Snohomish County a safe place to live, work, educate, and visit.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

Sheriff Susanna Johnson

Meet Dave Hayes, New Commander of the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force

Dave Hayes brings decades of public service, leadership, and law enforcement experience to his role as Commander. A U.S. Navy veteran (1984–1987), Dave began his policing career in Marysville in 1990, serving in patrol, bicycle patrol, and as a Field Training Officer.

He joined the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office in 1998, where he worked in patrol, collision investigation, and accreditation before being promoted to Sergeant in 2006. Over the years, he has led teams in patrol, courthouse security, and training operations.

Elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2013, Dave served on the Public Safety, Transportation, and Education Committees and was chosen as House Minority Whip. His legislative experience strengthened his ability to shape effective public policy.

Promoted to Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant in 2020, Dave served in a supervisory role for the Drug Task Force for more than four years before retiring in June 2025. Dave now leads the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force as the appointed Commander, overseeing 21 investigators and staff in targeting drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. He also partners with community leaders to advance prevention, treatment, and harm-reduction initiatives.

We’re proud to welcome Dave to this key leadership role and look forward to the positive impact of his experience and vision on Snohomish County.

New South Precinct Grand Opening

Our South Precinct Grand Opening was a fantastic success, and we were thrilled to welcome so many members of our community! It was a great day filled with smiles, conversations, and connection as community members toured the SWAT Bearcat, kids’ copter, Motors Unit, and Search and Rescue vehicles.

Sheriff Johnson and many of our deputies, along with our Domestic Violence and Crime Prevention Coordinators, enjoyed meeting everyone and answering questions about the work we do. We’re grateful for the support, the great turnout, and the chance to share what we’re all about. A huge thank you to Black Dove Coffee for keeping everyone caffeinated, and to all who came out to make the day so special!

2025 Chief for a Day Event

Sheriff Johnson and members of our office had the joy of celebrating 8-year-old Sheriff Ashton at the WSCJTC’s Chief for a Day ceremony in Burien. The day started off with a motorcade where the little sheriffs and chiefs were escorted to CJTC. Ashton also participated in a special ceremony including an oath of office and badge pinning ceremony to authorize him as the official Sheriff For A Day!

Ashton is a bright, courageous, and loving child who lights up every room he enters. He lives with Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare and terminal genetic disorder that gradually takes away a child’s ability to walk, talk, and eat. Despite these immense challenges, Ashton continues to inspire everyone around him with his resilience, joy, and determined spirit. 

Ashton was one of 16 honorary chiefs and sheriffs recognized during the event, where 17 law enforcement agencies from across Washington gathered to celebrate these remarkable children. 

Trick-or-Treating & Halloween Safety Tips

• Make kids visible: Equip children with glowsticks, flashlights, or reflective tape to ensure drivers can see them.
• Supervise children: Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should go in groups and stay together.
• Inspect treats: Check all candy for tampering before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Pedestrian safety: Walk on sidewalks where available. If there are none, walk facing traffic and as far left as possible. Avoid crossing between parked cars or darting into the street.
• Costume safety: Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls.
• Check offender registries: Before heading out, use resources like the OffenderWatch website to search for registered sex offenders along your trick-or-treating route or near places your children spend time. (Understanding offender classifications: Level II and Level III offenders are publicly listed online, as well as non-compliant Level I offenders and all homeless offenders.)
• Stay vigilant: Avoid houses with porch lights off. Stick to well-lit streets and use crosswalks.
• Follow peak Trick-or-Treat hours: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Multiple SCAMS Circulating through Snohomish County 

• Jury Duty Scam: We’ve received reports of scammer impersonating members of our office. The scammer will call residents and attempt to pressure them into paying to have a supposed warrant “lifted” or claiming they missed jury duty. The scammer may instruct you to wire money or purchase prepaid gift cards, then ask you to meet at the courthouse or a precinct. This is a scam; hang up immediately!
• Snohomish County Jail Inmate Bail Scam: Please be aware of a scam targeting the families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers of individuals recently booked into jail. Scammers are using the Snohomish County Jail Inmate Registry to locate real inmates, then gathering personal information such as addresses or employers. They contact people connected to these inmates and demand money for bail, electronic home monitoring, treatment programs, or similar expenses.

  If you receive such a call, hang up immediately! To verify an inmate’s bail status, please contact the jail directly.

   

   

  The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office will never call to request money. We do not accept payments through mobile apps like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, and we will never ask you to make a payment at an offsite location.