Sheriff Joey Kriete
Personal Profile
Sheriff Joey Kriete is a lifelong public servant with more than 33 years of law enforcement experience, including over 20 years in leadership roles and 15 years serving at the executive level.
Since taking office, Sheriff Kriete has focused on addressing the issues that most impact the daily lives of Grant County residents. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has taken a proactive approach to reducing property crime, strengthened partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, and improved communication and transparency with the community by ensuring consistent and accurate information is shared with the public.
Recognizing that a strong agency starts with strong people, Joey has prioritized investments in recruitment, retention, and wellness. During his first term, the Sheriff’s Office hired dozens of new employees, including a significant number of experienced lateral deputies, helping to increase staffing levels and put more deputies on the road and in the jail. He has also expanded peer support programs and wellness resources for deputies, corrections staff, their families, and retirees, ensuring those who serve the community are supported both on and off duty.
Sheriff Kriete has also worked to strengthen the Corrections Division by increasing leadership training, improving staffing, and coordinating closely with the court system and community partners to provide pathways for recovery. His team has enhanced intelligence sharing efforts, contributing to the capture of dangerous offenders and improving overall public safety.
Beyond his role as Sheriff, Joey remains deeply involved in the community. He has coached youth sports, served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin, and currently serves on the Economic Development Council. At the state level, he serves as Vice President of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, giving Grant County a strong voice on public safety issues and protecting the rights of its citizens.
For Joey, public service has never been about personal recognition, it has always been about people. His commitment to Grant County is rooted in a lifelong dedication to making the community a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. As Sheriff, he remains focused on building a professional, responsive, and community driven agency that delivers the high level of service the citizens of Grant County deserve.
Before being elected Sheriff, Joey served in key leadership positions within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, including Chief Deputy of the Corrections Division and Chief Deputy of the Investigations Division. These roles provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the entire criminal justice system, from patrol operations to jail management and complex investigations.
As the current, incumbent Sheriff of Grant County, Joey has dedicated his career to protecting the community, strengthening public safety, and building a Sheriff’s Office that reflects the values and priorities of the people it serves.
