HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5776

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Pullen)

Regarding training for law enforcement officers and establishing a fund for drug training.

House Committe on Local Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Haugen, Chair; Ferguson, Ranking Republican Member; Horn, Nealey, Nelson, Nutley, Phillips, Raiter, Rayburn, Todd, Wolfe, Wood and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Steve Lundin (786-7127)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Certain standards exist for persons who are seeking appointment as a chief of police of a city, or town marshal.

All law enforcement personnel, except volunteers and reserve officers, are required to complete successfully a basic law enforcement training course during the first 15 months of their employment.  This training requirement can be waived or extended. This training is a requisite for continuation of employment as a law enforcement officer unless the requirement is waived or extended.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Community Development shall establish an advisory committee to study the issue of untrained and uncertified city and town law enforcement personnel, their training needs, and alternative measures for such personnel.  The advisory committee is chaired by the director of the Department of Community Development, or the director's designee, and the remaining members are law enforcement personnel and city and town representatives.  The criminal justice training commission staffs the advisory committee.  The report shall be made on or before January 15, 1990.

After January 1, 1990, law enforcement personnel shall complete successfully the basic law enforcement training within the first six months of employment, instead of the first 15 months of employment.  Such training is a requisite to continuation of employment for law enforcement officers initially employed on or after January 1, 1990.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

Effective Date:Effective date of January 1, 1990 was stricken by committee amendment.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Kent Swisher, Association of Washington Cities; Jim Scott, Criminal Justice Training Commission.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    We have found seven part-time marshals who are not trained, and think some 12 to 18 may exist throughout the state.  The issue of their training should be studied to develop a practical training program for them.  The shortened period before new law enforcement personnel must get training is critical.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.