SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5156

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.

Background: Under current law, administrative peace officer decertification actions are heard by panels that make the final administrative decisions for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Decertification actions requested in relation to Washington peace officers who are not peace officers of the Washington State Patrol are required to be heard by a panel consisting of one police chief, one sheriff, two peace officers who are at or below the level of first-line supervisor and are from city or county law enforcement with at least ten years experience, and one person who represents a community college or four-year college or university.

Decertification actions requested in relation to Washington State Patrol officers are required to be heard by a panel consisting of either one police chief or sheriff, one state patrol administrator, one peace officer who is at or below the level of first-line supervisor from a city or county law enforcement agency with at least ten years experience, one state patrol officer who is at or below the level of first-line supervisor with at least ten years experience, and one person who represents a community college or four-year college or university.

Decertification actions requested in relation to tribal police officers are required to be heard by a panel consisting of either one chief or one sheriff, one tribal police chief, one peace officer who is at or below the level of first-line supervisor, is from a city or county law enforcement agency, and has at least ten years experience, and one person who represents a community college or four-year college or university.