S-2621.1          _______________________________________________

                         SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8410

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State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1991 Regular Session

By Senators Snyder, Metcalf, Oke, Hansen, Bauer, Jesernig, Sutherland, Bluechel and Johnson.

Read first time April 18, 1991.  Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Recommending commensurate salaries for fishery patrol and wildlife officers.

     WHEREAS, The Legislature recognizes the vital importance that all law enforcement officers play in protecting the citizenry of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, These women and men have borne a standard that all citizens within the state look up to; and

     WHEREAS, Other states within the Union have recognized the need to establish parity amongst their law enforcement personnel; and

     WHEREAS, The fiftieth convening of the Legislature directed the State Department of Personnel to "survey the compensation practices of comparable in-state and out-of-state law enforcement agencies"; and

     WHEREAS, Other factors that were incorporated within the survey were a comparison of "the degree to which duties, skills, and working conditions are shared by classifications such as wildlife agents, fisheries agents, and members of the Washington State Patrol, all of whom have police powers . . ."; and

     WHEREAS, The Legislature has recognized that fish, wildlife, and state patrol officers have consistently followed requirements for certification set forth by the Legislature; and

     WHEREAS, The Washington State Department of Personnel has developed analysis showing that our state fisheries patrol and wildlife officers have, in comparison with their comparable associates from the state patrol, not been fully compensated according to the Willis Study conducted by the Department of Personnel; and

     WHEREAS, Enforcement of the law in conjunction with efficiently managing the resource will help to ensure a fishery for future generations; and

     WHEREAS, The Legislature recognizes the need to pay a commensurate salary, based on factors sited within the Willis Study, to the State of Washington fishery patrol and wildlife officers;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the State of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Legislature recommends that the findings of the Willis Study, completed on November 2, 1989, by the State Department of Personnel, be incorporated into the new salary schedule to accurately reflect the points and percentage differences of all levels, rank, and longevity.