The Clark County Council recently approved a resolution that supports a Criminal Justice Training Commission expansion to add a regional law enforcement training center in Clark County.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, like other agencies across Washington, has experienced challenges with recruitment and retention of deputies due to factors like an increase in retirements and resignations, and a decrease in applications for new hires, stated a news release.
All new deputies and police officers around the state are currently required to attend Basic Law Enforcement Academy training at the State’s Criminal Justice Training Center near Seattle. Since there is only one location for training, the waitlist to attend the academy is long, which delays the applicant’s ability to start in their new position.
The sole location also means law enforcement recruits make a five-month commitment away from home, which is a substantial challenge for many applicants.
“Everyone I’ve talked to about this sees this as a win-win for the community and for law enforcement,” Gary Medvigy, councilor for District 4, stated in the release. “We need a local academy.”
Other councilors agreed.
“This is long overdue,” Julie Olson, councilor for District 2, stated. “In addition to convenience, the capacity is the issue here. This is a critical opportunity for the state to get these local facilities placed and operational.”
Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman added, “This will be a wonderful step forward. Let’s hope it becomes a reality soon.”
The council sent the resolution to Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. John Lovick along with a letter in support of establishing a regional academy in Southwest Washington. Inslee and Lovick earlier this year announced plans to pursue legislation to create regional police academies across Washington in an effort to increase training capacity, stated the release.
The resolution and staff report are available on the county’s website at clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2022-10/2022-10-10.pdf.
