After four years of service to the City of Newcastle, Police Chief Jason Houck will soon be transferring to the City of SeaTac for another position within the King County Sheriff’s Office. We’re so grateful for everything he’s done for the community, and we’ll miss him!
We’re fortunate, however, to have selected a wonderful incoming Chief, who will be a familiar face to many. Incoming Chief Steve Kajihiro served with the Newcastle Police Department for 18 years before earning a promotion that sent him to the Burien Police Department, where he’s currently Sergeant of the Crime Reduction Unit.
“I am excited to serve the community once again. Newcastle was like a second home for me for 18 years,” said Chief Kajihiro. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to serve one of the best places to live in Washington.”
Chief Houck's last day with Newcastle will be Friday, February 3, and Chief Kajihiro's first day will be Monday, February 6.
Steve Kajihiro started his law enforcement career in 1991 as an officer with the Honolulu Police Department. He served seven years with HPD, working in the Narcotics/Vice Division and uniform patrol.
In 1998, he was hired by the King County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to patrol in Southeast King County. He was assigned to the City of Newcastle in 1999, where he worked for 18 years.
In 2018, Chief Kajihiro was promoted and assigned to the City of Burien as a patrol sergeant. In 2019, he was selected to be the Sergeant of the Burien Crime Reduction Unit. In this assignment, he supervised a proactive, innovative policing team with a “lead with services” approach. The BCRU unit works with city departments, businesses, social services, and the community to help prevent and solve crime. Chief Kajihiro's unit was assigned the first Co-Responder Unit in the King County Sheriff’s Office. The Co-Responder Unit includes a mental health professional riding with a deputy; some of their duties include responding to mental health-related issues and homeless outreach.
Chief Kajihiro is a board member for the King County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain’s Association, a member of the KCSO Peer Support Team and the KCSO Recruiting Team, and he serves on the Deputy Oral Board panel.
He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a focus on interpersonal communication. Chief Kajihiro also obtained a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University. Additionally, he has successfully completed the King County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. Some of his law enforcement training includes the FBI-LEEDA Command, 21st Century Leadership, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Steve was born and raised in Hawaii. He has two children and a dog named Wick. During his free time, he enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Join us in welcoming Chief Steve Kajihiro back to the Newcastle community!