FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6628

C 110 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Establishing the probationary period for campus police officer appointees.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Sheahan and Jacobsen; by request of University of Washington.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Higher Education

Background:  Under current Washington law, the Washington Personnel Resources Board (WPRB) is required to adopt rules regarding the procedures pertaining to state personnel, including the probationary period required for newly appointed permanent employees.  The WPRB has the authority to set probationary periods of six to 12 months for all employees except state park rangers, who must serve a 12-month probationary period.  Currently, the Personnel Board has set the probationary period for all newly appointed campus police as 12 months from the date of their appointment.

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission provides programs and standards for the training of criminal justice personnel.  All law enforcement personnel, except volunteers and reserve officers, employed on or after January 1, 1978, are required to have basic law enforcement training that complies with the standards set out by the commission.  The commission must provide this basic training along with all necessary facilities and materials.

Summary:  The WPRB must adopt rules that set the probationary period of campus police officer appointees as 12 months.  For appointees who are required to attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission basic law enforcement academy, the 12 months is from the date the officer successfully completes the academy.  If academy training is not required, the 12-month probationary period is from the date the officer is appointed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate490

House930

Effective:  June 13, 2002