SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5429

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 Summary of Bill

Directs the Criminal Justice Training Program to update training regarding de-escalation techniques, and shoot/don't shoot scenario training.
Pairs cadets with seasoned veteran officers to patrol minority communities in order to observe working, positive examples.
Incorporates a training component that requires cadets to meet with the local minority advisory boards in each jurisdiction.

Background: In 2016, the Legislature established the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Use of Deadly Force in Community Policing (Task Force). The Legislature charged the Task Force with: reviewing laws, practices, and training programs regarding use of deadly force in Washington and other states; reviewing current policies, practices, and tools used by or otherwise available to law enforcement as an alternative to lethal uses of force; and recommending best practices to reduce the number of violent interactions between law enforcement officers and members of the public.

The Task Force membership included representatives from law enforcement, public defenders, prosecutors, civil rights groups, community representatives, and legislators. Four meetings were held in 2016. Each Task Force member was given the opportunity to submit recommendations for a vote of the Task Force membership. Fifteen recommendations were adopted by a majority of the Task Force. The Task Force published its final report to the Legislature and the Governor on December 1, 2016.

Many of the recommendations from the Task Force recognized the need for enhanced and updated training for law enforcement officers including in-service training, regarding de-escalation techniques, shoot/don't shoot scenario training, pairing cadets with seasoned officers, and meetings with local community groups.

Summary of Bill: The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) must review, update, and provide basic and in-service training for peace officers and corrections officers that:

emphasizes de-escalation in patrol tactics and interpersonal communication training;
includes "shoot/don't shoot" scenario training; and
pairs cadets with seasoned veteran officers to patrol minority communities in order to observe a working, positive example of how that officer interacts with members of the community in the course of his or her duties.

Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs must establish minority advisory boards comprised of communities of color in each jurisdiction whose officers are trained by the CJTC. The CJTC must incorporate a training component that requires cadets to meet with the local minority advisory boards in each jurisdiction.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The taskforce conducted a spirited discussion and as a result, everyone came away with a better understanding of the issues. The Presidents 21st Century Policy on Policing indicated that law enforcement officers are in need of enhanced training and that seasoned veteran officers can help newer officers see what is going on in the street and observe how the situations are handled. The state needs to fully fund de-escalation training. This training used to be funded and offered free of charge to officers by the CJTC. The intent of this bill is good. The language could be improved to make the bill more effective.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: PRO: Dr. Karen Johnson, Black Alliance of Thurston County.

CON: Joe Winkler, citizen.

OTHER: James McMahan, WASPC; Neil Martin, WACOPS; Marco Monteblanco, WSFOP.