Law enforcement officials opened up a second basic training academy in Washington on Tuesday in Spokane. Police agencies are hiring more, and leaders hope changes in training will prepare them for modern-day issues.
Criminal Justice Training Commission Director Sue Rahr says there used to be less than 300 officers trained a year, and now it’s up to 600. Demand for officers is up. And as national discussion picks a-part police training and use-of-force, Rahr asserts Washington state gives special attention to mental health.
[Rahr] “We have added an eight hour block of crisis intervention training… traumatic brain injury.”
Rahr was recently appointed to President Obama’s Commission on 21st Century Policing. She says the academy in Burien also has updated curriculum.
The Spokane academy has been closed since 2008, leaving all training to staff in Burien. At least 18 agencies will now send their recruits to Spokane, from as close at Liberty Lake to as far away as Aberdeen.
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