On Tuesday morning, Mar. 17, 2020, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) and Director Sue Rahr announced their decision to suspend all training at the WSCJTC, Washington’s statewide police academy located in Burien, for four weeks.

“While we do not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19, we did have two students come to campus while displaying flu-like symptoms. They were immediately sent home,” Director Rahr said.

Director Rahr and her team worked diligently to keep academy training operational. After gathering information from the State Health Department and CDC, Director Rahr made the difficult decision to suspend training.

“I know how important it is to provide trained police officers to our communities around the state. However, the health and well being of our staff, recruits and families is paramount,” Rahr added.

Over the past week the campus had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Instructors worked to modify defensive tactics training and documented each person’s health daily at the beginning of each training day.

“With the developing information, unfortunately, our efforts were not enough to keep the academy operational.”

Officials look forward to having staff and students back on campus by April 13, 2020.

“I am confident and hopeful this 30-day suspension of training will enable the staff and recruits to take appropriate steps to remain safe and healthy.”

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training is located at 19010 1st Ave South: