SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5776

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senator Pullen)

Regarding training for law enforcement officers and establishing a fund for drug training.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1989; February 27, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5776 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

                  April 14, 1989

House Committe on Local Government

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Under current law all law enforcement personnel are required to complete a basic training course.  The 11-week course is to be completed during the first 15 months of employment.  A chief of police or marshal for a city or town with a population of less than 1,000 is given nine months to complete the basic training course.  Chiefs of police and marshals who hold office on a part-time basis have not been required to complete the basic training course.

SUMMARY:

Clarification is made to ensure that employment qualifications for the office of chief of police or marshal are the same for both full- time and part-time positions.

Law enforcement personnel employed after January 1, 1990 are to commence the basic training course within the first six months of employment.  Successful completion of the course is required for continued employment.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Sharnette M. Carnahan (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The provision requiring equal qualifications for full-time and part-time chiefs of police and marshals is stricken.  The basic training requirement for an appointed chief of police or an appointed marshal of any city or town is stricken.

The Department of Community Development establishes an advisory committee to study the issue of untrained and uncertified city and town law enforcement personnel.  The report shall be made on or before January 15, 1990.

The effective date of January 1, 1990 is stricken.