COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Representative Don Carlson, Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1582

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  Requiring the consideration of duties when institutuions of higher education set staffing levels for their police forces.

BACKGROUND:  The governing boards of the state and regional universities or the Evergreen State College may establish a police force and supply appropriate badges and uniforms.  Campus police officers are peace officers of the state and have the same powers as sheriffs and peace officers.  Current statutes do not provide guidelines regarding campus police staffing ratios.

SUMMARY:  Institutions must consider duties of its police force when deciding staffing.