Law enforcement training rulemaking adopted

Initiative 940 (I-940), modifying use of deadly force by law enforcement, was passed by Washington voters in November 2018. In 2019, the Legislature unanimously adopted HB 1064. HB 1064 was a compromise bill supported by both I-940 advocates and law enforcement that amended the original initiative passed by voters. The final step in implementation of the measure requires the Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) to adopt rules to implement and enforce training curriculum for law enforcement. The negotiated rulemaking process was recently completed, and WAC Chapter 137 -11 was unanimously adopted on June 6, 2019.

HB 1064 requires the CJTC to create rules that adopt training hour and curriculum requirements for initiation and continuing violence and de-escalation training for law enforcement officers.

Key elements from WAC Chapter 137-11 include:

• Beginning December 7, 2019, all new general authority peace officers must complete a minimum of 200 hours of initial violence de-escalation and mental health training in the basic law enforcement academy (BLEA).
• Officers certified prior to December 7, 2019, must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing de-escalation and mental health training every three years after receiving their initial peace officer certification. The topics that must be included in these trainings are enumerated in the WAC.
• The CJTC will host an annual summit on each side of the state with stakeholders to seek input and assistance with the development and delivery of training and the recruitment of subject matter experts.
• The CJTC will develop an annual report that will be posted on their website detailing the hours and learning objectives for new curriculum related to the de-escalation topics; biographies of trainers and any waivers granted for training that meets the requirements.
• For further details, please review the Concise Explanatory Statement.