FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5099

                              C 28 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin, DeJarnatt and von Reichbauer; by request of Washington State Patrol)

Revising provisions for suspension without pay of a state patrol officer.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

House Committe on State Government

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Chief of the Washington State Patrol has no authority to suspend a commissioned officer without pay following a complaint which could result in the officer's dismissal for cause.  An officer must remain in the ranks until the matter is settled, although he is removed from line duty.  When such an event has occurred, the result has been frustrating for the officer and for management, as well as damaging morale in the force.

SUMMARY:

When a complaint served upon a commissioned officer of the Washington State Patrol is of a criminal nature calling for the discharge of the officer, the Chief of the Patrol may immediately suspend the officer without pay pending a trial board hearing.  The trial board must be convened within 45 days of the suspension, but an extension may be granted by mutual agreement.  An affected officer may waive a hearing and accept the proposed discipline upon written notice by the Chief.

Technical changes are made in the language concerning whether the charges are sustained.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   44    0

     House 92  0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989