Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank's early months in office

This collection of stories explores Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank's leadership and his early challenges in office. When he was sworn in, Swank said he would combat human trafficking and prioritize transparent communication. He has also expressed a desire to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, which led to a legal dispute.

Meanwhile, the sheriff's office has faced tense negotiations regarding deputies' contracts, highlighting concerns over pay and staffing levels.

Newly elected Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank is sworn in at a swearing-in ceremony at Frontier Park Lodge, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Graham Wash.

NO. 1: KEITH SWANK SWORN IN AS PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF, VOWS TO ‘CRACK DOWN’ ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Former Seattle police captain Keith Swank took his oath of office and was sworn in as sheriff in a crowded room Wednesday evening in Graham. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

Sheriff Keith Swank (third from left, front) is shown in an undated photograph with other sheriffs from Washington state during a meeting with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in Washington, D.C.

NO. 2: PIERCE COUNTY EXEC, SHERIFF AT ODDS OVER WORKING WITH IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES

The Pierce County Council is considering a resolution reaffirming its compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

A civilian Pierce County SheriffÕs Department employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the agency said Monday. By David Montesino

NO. 3: CONTRACT TALKS GET UGLY BETWEEN PIERCE COUNTY, DEPUTIES. PUBLIC SAFETY AT RISK?

Staffing levels at the Sheriff’s Office haven’t kept pace with the growth of the county’s population, census and county data shows. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett (left) and Sheriff Keith Swank are shown in a composite image. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF SWANK TO PROSECUTOR ROBNETT: ‘YOU ARE MY PERIL’

A court case over a private attorney providing legal advice to the sheriff shows a fractured relationship between the two top elected officials. | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

Newly elected Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank gives remarks after being sworn in in at a swearing-in ceremony at Frontier Park Lodge, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Graham Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF WANTS TO WORK WITH ICE. WA LAW SAYS HE CAN’T. HERE’S WHY

The News Tribune spoke with an outside legal expert on local laws. | Published June 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Joan Mell, right, looks toward the judge during a hearing for a civil case where Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett is seeking to bar Mell from acting as Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank’s attorney on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the King County Courthouse in Seattle, Wash. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 6: FIGHT BETWEEN PIERCE SHERIFF, PROSECUTOR LANDS IN COURT. HERE’S WHAT JUDGE SAID

Sheriff Keith Swank did not like the ruling, calling it “terrible.” | Published June 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

Cadets with the Washington State Patrol interrupted the Pride event on Wednesday, June 4, on their way to their graduation ceremony. WSP later issued a formal apology. By Steve Bloom

NO. 7: PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF SCOFFS AT WSP’S APOLOGY FOR DISRUPTING PRIDE FLAG CEREMONY

A flag-raising event Wednesday at the state Capitol building in Olympia was inadvertently interrupted by state troopers. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.