By Lindsay Peyton 

Mitzi Johanknecht never met a team sport she didn’t like. 

She played basketball in college – and also loved to hit the field for a game of softball, rugby or field hockey. She golfed, bowled and even spiked a few volleyballs. 

The lessons she learned from the game – from time-management to working collectively to achieve a goal -- have served her well during her 32-year career in law enforcement. 

“Sometimes it’s your time to shine, and sometimes you make others shine,” Johanknecht said. “You do whatever it takes to make your mission.”

Now she wants to take those principles to a new post –Sheriff for King County. She believes that through teamwork and engaging the right players, she can help the office become more efficient and accountable. 

Johanknecht is running for election against Sheriff John Urquart, who has been in office since 2013. Voters will decide the outcome on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.

As a child, Johanknecht always looked up to her father, who served in the military police. 

When she went to college, she thought her calling was in education – until her softball coach threw her a curve ball, suggesting that she consider law enforcement instead. 

“It piqued my interest,” Johanknecht recalled. “I went on a ride-along; six months later I was in the police academy.”

At the beginning of her career as a police officer, she was a deputy assigned to a public housing community – and the experience made a lasting impression. She enjoyed working with youth – and became passionate about stopping domestic violence. 

Since then, Johanknecht has held a number of posts in the King County Sherriff’s Office – from precinct commander at two different precincts to being the first and only woman to head of the SWAT team. She has also overseen air support, marine and narcotics units. 

“I am one of those people who wants to take on new challenges,” she said. “I’ve had a really varied career.” 

Johanknecht said her heart is in service – and that she feels like her duty is to help reform the office. 

“We’re at a crossroads,” she said. “We need to reimagine how we do law enforcement. We must do better – and we can do better.”

Johanknecht said that across the U.S., the public has become aware of a need for change. 

“All of us who believe in doing good work reject those who have done wrong,” she said. “It’s good that the media is more present. We need to get to a point where law enforcement is successful. We’re given our authority from the community – and it’s essential that we work with the community to do better.”

Running for office was something Johanknecht never planned to do. 

“It’s time for someone to step up from inside the organization – and time for a woman to stand up in particular,” she said. “This community deserves a sheriff who brings honor and integrity to the position. I want dignity restored to the office of sheriff and more public oversight in the future.”

Johanknecht said that fixing records reporting systems, eliminating discrimination and harassment and purchasing non-lethal tools for deputies would be top priorities. 

“Those could give us another opportunity between the taser and the handgun – to reduce the number of shootings we have,” she said. “That would be one of the first things I’d implement if elected.”

She also wants to identify multiple goals in a strategic plan and outline best practices. 

In addition, Johanknecht hopes to start an outreach section of the office – and set-up community councils to advise deputies. She also hopes to create a more diverse workforce at the Sheriff’s Office. 

“We need to make people not fearful of law enforcement – but also make them part of our team,” she said. “Public safety is really a team sport.”