HB 1387-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent that accidents involving Washington state patrol officers follow a process that provides a high degree of integrity and credibility both within the investigation of the accident and the perception of the investigation from persons outside the investigation.

Declares an intent to have a communication process in place for the Washington state patrol to communicate accident information to the persons and their families who are involved in the vehicle accidents.

Declares an intent to have early detections in place to reduce future vehicle accidents.

Provides that, before the legislative committee assembly in September 2005, the Washington state patrol shall have an outside entity that has a reputation for and has proven experience in law enforcement management and reviewing law enforcement and criminal justice policies and procedures review the agency's proposed law enforcement vehicle accident policies and procedures where a law enforcement officer is involved.

Requires the agency to present the proposed policies and procedures to the legislature and finalize the policies and procedures based on input from the legislature. The Washington state patrol shall report to the house and senate transportation committees by November 30, 2005, on the updated policies, processes, and procedures. Once the policies and procedures are completed, other law enforcement agencies may adopt the policies and procedures for their agencies.