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Important Links FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7 2025 Pierce County Deputy Sheriff39s Guild Working Without Contract as Staffing Crisis Continues TACOMA WA The Pierce County Deputy Sheriff39s Guild announces that as of January 1 2025 its members are working without a contract following the expiration of their 20222024 collective bargaining agreement impacting our ability to quickly and meaningfully address public safety crises and protect crime victims in our County. Pierce County currently maintains the lowest policedeputytopopulation staffing ratio in Washington State significantly affecting public safety service delivery across its extensive jurisdiction. The department serves a vast area of unincorporated Pierce County and contract cities with staffing levels that fall well below public safety planning best practices working at less than a quarter of recommended patrol and investigative personnel levels based on population crime rates and geographic coverage requirements. The staffing shortage is compounded by challenges in recruitment and retention as neighboring agencies offer more competitive compensation packages better equipment and more sustainable working conditions.