January 2025 Edition
By Monica Alexander, Executive Director
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we've made at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) and share a glimpse of what's ahead.
Growth and Milestones
Since 2023, our growth has been nothing short of extraordinary. In under two years, we opened our Southeast Regional Campus, and I am thrilled to report that three classes have successfully graduated. The same success story has unfolded in Vancouver, where three classes have graduated, and another is already underway. I’m proud to share that I signed a ten-year lease for our Vancouver location, solidifying our presence in that region and ensuring officers can train closer to home.
Our new Arlington facility will open in March. This expansion allows us to address staffing shortages across the state by utilizing every available facility to train and certify the next generation of officers and public safety professionals. I’m incredibly grateful to the legislators and tireless staff who made this possible. None of this could have happened without your dedication and support.
Investing in the Future
We've made significant upgrades to our Burien Academy, but more is needed. Each year, state agencies compete for funding, and I’m grateful for the strong support from the Governor and legislature. As we move forward, I will continue to advocate for the $953 million required to build a new training facility. With over 600 basic law enforcement recruits training in Burien annually—alongside classes for medical examiners, juvenile officers, and corrections staff—our facilities must expand to meet growing demand. In 2024 alone, 844 new officers and 308 corrections officers were trained across all our facilities.
We recognize that while our current facilities are not perfect, we make the most of what we have. This journey isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. I’m here for the long haul, ensuring we continue building the foundation our officers need.
State-of-the-Art Training
I want to emphasize the unique role WSCJTC plays in our state. We are the sole certifying body for law enforcement training in Washington. Agencies may conduct additional training, but without our certification, individuals cannot serve as police officers in this state. This centralized approach ensures every officer is trained to the same high standards, fostering consistency and trust within our communities.
Our curriculum continues to evolve, shaped by input from police chiefs, sheriffs, and officers on the ground. It’s not about what we think policing should look like—it’s about meeting the real, current needs of those serving in the field. This collaborative process guarantees that every officer graduates with the necessary skills, including Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and lessons on race, history, and policing. We prepare them to protect and serve with integrity, empathy, and respect.
A Focus on Stalking Awareness
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, and I want to highlight the importance of training in this area. Stalking is a terrifying and often overlooked crime. No one should live in fear—at home, work, or even the grocery store. By equipping officers with the tools to recognize and respond to stalking, we take critical steps toward protecting victims and preventing future harm. I’m proud that WSCJTC is incorporating this vital training into our programs.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025, I am confident that our collective efforts will continue to shape safer, stronger communities. I invite you all to join us on this journey—because we can’t do it alone.
Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous new year. Let’s do great things together.
Monica Alexander
Executive Director, WSCJTC
Training the Guardians of Democracy