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: Senators Haugen, Esser, Rasmussen, Delvin and McAuliffe.

Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background: Under current law, no state employee or officer may use any person, money, or property under his or her official control or direction for private benefit or gain. However, Washington State Patrol officers may engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment for benefit, if in uniform and subject to guidelines adopted by the chief of the state patrol. The use of uniforms is considered a de minimus use of state property.

Summary: Washington State Patrol officers may also engage in private law enforcement off-duty employment in plain clothes, under guidelines adopted by the Chief of the Washington State Patrol.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      49   0
House      96   0

Effective: July 24, 2005