About Police Training and Certification Audits

About Police Training and Certification Audits

State law allows the Criminal Justice Training Commission to request our Office audit any law enforcement agency to ensure it is following laws, policies and procedures governing the training and certification of the police or corrections officers it employs. We review requests to determine if the topic can be audited and if we have the resources to do so. 

Audit Requests 

Notification Requirements: The Commission requested we conduct audits to determine whether law enforcement agencies are complying with RCW 43.101.135. This law requires law enforcement agencies to notify the Commission within 15 days when any of their officers: 

  • Have faced an initial disciplinary decision for alleged behavior or conduct that may result in suspension or revocation of certification
  • Leave employment with the agency for any reason
  • Use force that causes death or serious injury
  • Are charged with a crime 

This law helps ensure the Commission is aware of police or corrections officers who have engaged in conduct that could lead to their suspension or decertification. Police and corrections officers must obtain and maintain certification to be employed in Washington. The Commission is responsible for certifying officers when they pass required training and background checks and decertifying them if they engage in any conduct that requires revocation. The Commission must decertify officers if they are: 

  • Convicted of a felony offense, domestic violence or various sex crimes 
  • Prohibited from possessing a firearm 
  • Terminated from employment for unlawfully using force that resulted in death or serious injury, for failing to intervene or report excessive use of force or for making false statements 

The Commission can revoke or suspend certifications for other misconduct, including sexual harassment, fraud and using firearms, other weapons or vehicles recklessly. Officers who are decertified for engaging in these types of misconduct cannot be employed at any law enforcement agency in Washington even if they quit before an investigation is complete.