Title: An act relating to clarifying the ability of Washington state patrol officers to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plainclothes for private benefit.

Brief Description: Clarifying the ability of Washington state patrol officers to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plainclothes for private benefit.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Morrell, Lantz, Lovick, Wood, McCune, Wallace and Condotta.

Brief History:

Criminal Justice & Corrections: 2/1/05, 2/10/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives O'Brien, Chair; Darneille, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kagi, Kirby and Strow.

Staff: Kathryn Leathers

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) officers may engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in uniform for private benefit, subject to guidelines adopted by the Chief of the WSP.

Summary of Bill:

The WSP officers continue to have permission to engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in uniform for private benefit, and are now expressly granted permission to engage in similar employment while in plainclothes. Whether in uniform or in plainclothes, this activity continues to be subject to guidelines adopted by the Chief of the WSP.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The bill would correct the unintended consequence of current law being interpreted to preclude off-duty employment in plainclothes and to allow only off-duty employment in uniform. It levels the playing field with other law enforcement agencies. Provides opportunities for the WSP to work and earn more money while remaining well controlled by the chief.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Judge Marilyn Paja, District and Municipal Court Judges Association; Rick Jensen and Tom Pillows, Washington State Patrol Troopers Association; Bob Reandeau, Puget Sound Executive Services; Representative Lovick; and Jeff DeVere, Washington State Patrol.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.