NEW CIT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The State Legislature passed SSB 5311*, known as The Doug Ostling Act, establishing requirements for Crisis Intervention Training for all Peace Officers in Washington, The three main requirements are:

1. All BLEA recruits must receive 8 hours of CIT training (This is already happening at CJTC)
2. All full-time, general authority peace officers must have a minimum of 8-hours of CIT training by 2021.
3. All full-time, general authority peace officers must receive at least 2 hours of refresher training each year beginning in July 2017.

*The bill also contains language recommending CJTC provide a 40-hour CIT class to 25% of all certified peace officers assigned to patrol duties.  This is already available.

What does your agency need to do to meet these requirements?

• By 2021 you must show that all of your full-time, general authority peace officers have received 8-hours of CIT training (see attached page for descriptions of training that meets this requirement.)
• Beginning July 2017 you must show that all of your officers have completed 2 hours of refresher training each year. 

What is being done by CJTC to assist you in meeting these requirements?

• 8-hour and 40-hour in-service classes are being presented in all regions in the state.  Check here for the class schedule.
• Reimbursement for backfill overtime is available; CJTC will provide grants to agencies to cover the cost of sending officers to CIT training.
• Online 2-hour blocks of refresher training will be available beginning July 1, 2017. 

How many people at your agency already meet the mandatory CIT training requirements?

• Any certified Peace Officer for the State of Washington that graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Academy on June 18, 2014 or later.
• Any Washington State Patrol Trooper who graduated from Washington State Patrol Academy on November 19, 2015 or later.
• Any Washington State or lateral certified peace officer that has successfully completed a 40 hour Crisis Intervention Training Program since Jan. 1, 2008.
• Any officer that has attended the King County Mental Illness Drug Dependency Plan 8 hour In-service Training.
• If you have provided your own CIT training and continue to do so please contact Bob Graham (see other side) for more information.

New CIT Training Requirements

If you have any questions, please contact:

Bob Graham, Program Manager

Crisis Intervention Teams, WSCJTC

This e-mail address