News Releases

ARLINGTON – The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) celebrated the opening of its Northwest Regional Training Academy (RTA) in Arlington Thursday and will begin training its first class of peace officers Monday. Arlington is the final of three regional academies funded by the Washington State Legislature in 2023. The Southeast RTA in Pasco opened in May 2023 and has since graduated ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 14, 2024 OLYMPIA – Legislation to prevent drunken driving and reduce fatalities was heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee Tuesday. Senate Bill 5067, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D-Mill Creek), would reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit — when someone is considered to be driving under the influence — from .08% to .05%.According ...

Lovick bill to allow private donations to help fund law enforcement training signed into law OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the House today would allow the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to accept donated money or property to go towards funding a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) class. “This year is all about public safety and officer recruitment,” said Sen. John Lovick ...

Inslee signs Lovick bill to increase safety and diversity of Washington State Police OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill today authorizing Washington law enforcement agencies to adopt flexible work policies that do not require an officer to work 40 hours per week to be considered a law enforcement officer. “Flexible work schedules are going to help our agencies recruit and ...

OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the House yesterday would enable Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients to serve in Washington’s civil services and law enforcement agencies. SB 6157 would permit the nearly 15,000 eligible DACA recipients in Washington state to apply for positions with sheriff’s offices, fire departments, police, and fish and wildlife officer positions. “This is a simple ...

Lovick bill to reduce political polarization and extremism passes House OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the House today would establish a bipartisan, bicameral committee helmed by the lieutenant governor tasked with determining policy solutions to increasing political polarization and extremism in Washington state. “We’ve come together to address public health and mental health. Now, we must do the same for civic health,” ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Feb. 08, 2024 Lovick bill to allow private donations to help fund law enforcement training passes Senate OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the Senate today would allow the Criminal Justice Training Commission to accept donated money or property to go towards funding a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) class. “The foundation of safe, effective policing is training,’ said Sen. ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Feb. 1, 2024 Lovick bill aiding children of victims of drunk driving passes Senate. OLYMPIA – Legislation allowing courts to order drunk drivers who kill or permanently disable a parent to pay child support towards the care of the victim’s children passed the Senate today. “This legislation is about accountability; it’s about holding drunk drivers accountable. I ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Jan. 17, 2024 Lovick bill allowing flexible work schedules for police passes Senate OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in the Senate today would authorize Washington law enforcement agencies to adopt flexible work policies that do not require an officer to work 40 hours per week to be considered a law enforcement officer. “Flexible work schedules are intended to increase the ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Jan. 16, 2024  Lovick bill would allow restitution for children whose parents are killed or disabled by drunk driver.  OLYMPIA – Legislation that would allow courts to order drunk drivers who killed or permanently disabled a parent to pay child support towards the care of the victim’s children will be heard ...