May 15, 2026

Greetings,

On behalf of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, I am sharing an update to our agency's strategic planning efforts. 2026 is proving to be a year of successes, challenges, and change. Staffing and turnover still have major impacts for 2026, and we spend a great deal of time and resources on recruiting, training, and retention. These have been ongoing challenges for the last several years and are somewhat common to our Washington law enforcement partners. Budgetary restrictions also have become more prominent, and 2026 saw the loss of three deputy positions due to budget reductions. Budget challenges are expected to continue and, unless addressed, will likely result in losing more deputy and correction officer positions. This puts a strain on our agency to provide the level of service our community expects, and with our County growing in many ways impacts our levels of service and our overtime usage.

Despite challenges, good work is being done throughout the agency in many ways. With process improvement occurring, training being enhanced, services in the jail with supporting funding, focusing on problem properties and high crime areas, and continuing outreach through many means, I am very proud of our staff for the efforts they are making. We adhere to the best industry standards, and in 2026, we will be re-accrediting with the Washington State Sheriffs' and Police Chiefs' Association. We live by our agency values: teamwork, integrity, and professionalism every day.

Sincerely,

Sheriff John Gese ​