WA HB1250

Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs must evaluate accreditation criteria, identify barriers preventing agencies from obtaining accreditation, and review best practices for officer early warning procedures, de-escalation training, and wellness programs, with findings due to the legislature by December 1, 2026

Criminal Justice Training Commission may provide accreditation incentive awards to law enforcement and corrections agencies that receive accreditation from recognized national or state entities during each fiscal biennium, limited to one award per agency per biennium

Currently only about 25% of law enforcement agencies and even fewer corrections agencies in Washington are accredited, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs

During the 2023-2025 biennium, the Criminal Justice Training Commission could provide up to $50,000 per law enforcement agency receiving accreditation; the legislature intends to continue and expand this program to include corrections agencies in 2025-2027

Incentive award funds must supplement rather than replace existing agency funding and must be made available to the agency receiving the award