[2] She spent her early years at an experimental police substation at a low-income apartment complex in Kent, assisting in undercover investigations and serving as a community liaison.
She was transferred to the Kenmore precinct and demoted after making comments on behalf of a city council candidate that were deemed inappropriate for a high-ranking officer.
[2][6] Johanknecht announced her candidacy for Sheriff in May 2017, looking to unseat incumbent John Urquhart after a tenure marked by allegations of bias, harassment, and sexual assault.
[2][6][7] Johanknecht, backed by former County Executive Ron Sims and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, faced Urquhart in a "bitterly contested" race for the office.
[8] Urquhart allegedly directed his staff to confront and intimidate Johanknecht and her supporters, namely captains in the department and the police union, prior to the announcement of her candidacy.
[14] Following the 2020 George Floyd protests, the Metropolitan King County Council approved reforms to the Sheriff's Office that would limit its autonomy and scope.