Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 1607

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Revising corrections personnel training provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Lovick, Pearson and Strow; by request of Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the mandate that requires corrections officers to participate in managerial training if they are transferred or promoted to a supervisory position.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) provides basic corrections training, law enforcement training, and educational programs for criminal justice personnel, including commissioned officers, corrections officers, fire marshals, and prosecuting attorneys.

Basic corrections officer training is generally required of all corrections officers. The training consists of a 160-hour program covering a wide variety of subjects, including proper use of: physical force; security management; interpersonal communication; supervision, discipline and inmate manipulation; inmate mental health problems; booking and intake; fingerprinting; constitutional and criminal law; gangs; hostage survival; critical incident survival; and report writing. All corrections personnel hired, transferred, or promoted to a supervisory position, are required to complete the core training requirements within the first six months unless waived by the CJTC.

Generally, the CJTC provides all training facilities, supplies, and materials necessary for the training, as well as room and board for those non-commuting attendees.

Summary of Bill:

The provisions requiring mandatory core training prior to or within the first six months of a corrections officer's promotion are eliminated. Corrections officers that are transferred or promoted to a supervisory or managerial position are no longer required to complete the supervisory training.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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