For purposes of the Washington Mutual Aid Peace Officers Powers Act, a general authority law enforcement agency is a governmental entity whose primary function is the detection and apprehension of persons committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws in general.  The Washington State Patrol and the Department of Fish and Wildlife are general authority law enforcement agencies.  A limited authority law enforcement agency, on the other hand, is a governmental entity having as one of its functions the apprehension or detection of persons committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws relating to limited subject areas.  Limited authority law enforcement agencies include the Gambling Commission, the Lottery Commission, and the Liquor and Cannabis Board.
 
The Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF 2) provides retirement benefits to certain law enforcement officers and firefighters employed by the state, cities, counties, and special districts.  In order to participating in LEOFF 2, a law enforcement officer must be employed full time.

Any general authority or limited authority law enforcement agency may adopt a flexible work policy.  The policy may allow peace officers to work at less than full time when feasible.  The policy may include alternative shift and work schedules that fit the needs of the law enforcement agency.  The policy may also require an officer to have a certain number of years of experience as a full-time officer or have additional training to be eligible for flexible work.  The authorization for flexible work does not alter any existing collective bargaining agreement or alter any laws or workplace policies relating to restrictions on secondary employment for peace officers.
 
Beginning July 1, 2023, law enforcement officers employed on less than a full-time basis are eligible for the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System.