Brief Description: Concerning the "chief for a day" program.

Sponsors: By Representatives Hurst, Loomis, Kelley, Kirby, Liias, Morrell, Green and Simpson; by request of Governor Gregoire.

House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Senate Committee on Judiciary

Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) was established in 1974. Its primary purpose is to provide basic law enforcement training, corrections training, and educational programs for criminal justice personnel, including commissioned officers, corrections officers, fire marshals, and prosecuting attorneys.

Summary:

The Legislature finds that the CJTC's participation in charitable work, such as the "Chief for a Day" program (program) that provides special attention to chronically ill children, advances the overall purposes of the CJTC by promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the citizens of Washington.

The program is a special program where commissioners and staff partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and the community provide a day of special attention to chronically ill children. Each child is selected and sponsored by a law enforcement agency. The event occurs one day, annually or every other year, and may occur on the grounds and in the facilities of the CJTC. The program may include any appropriate honoring of the child as a chief, such as a certificate swearing the child in as a chief, a badge, a uniform, and donated gifts such as games, puzzles, and art supplies.

The duties and powers of the CJTC are expanded to include promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and citizens by authorizing commissioners and staff to participate in the program events. The CJTC is authorized to accept grants and gifts and use public facilities for purposes of the events. The Executive Director of the CJTC must designate staff who may participate in the program. However, all staff and commissioners who participate in the events of the program must comply with the state's ethics rules and regulations.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   0
Senate   48   0

Effective: June 12, 2008