As public gatherings, demonstrations, and social movements continue to shape the national conversation, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) remains at the forefront of preparing officers for these complex moments, not just with tactics, but with empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence.
In a recent interview with ARC Seattle, Executive Director Monica Alexander shared how WSCJTC’s training philosophy supports officers across Washington in building trust and maintaining safety, even in the most high-pressure situations.
De-Escalation: Not a Class, a Culture
“You’ve probably heard the term ‘de-escalation’ and assumed it was one class,” said Executive Director Alexander. “But at WSCJTC, it’s woven into everything we teach.”
Rather than a standalone topic, de-escalation is a principle applied throughout WSCJTC’s curriculum, starting on day one. Recruits are trained to communicate clearly, respond calmly, and manage high-stress situations without escalating tensions. That includes learning to let individuals express frustration without taking it personally.
“We’re helping officers meet people where they are—with empathy and self-control,” said Alexander.
Emotional Intelligence in Action
At the heart of WSCJTC’s approach is emotional intelligence. Officers are taught to recognize heightened emotions, respond with calm, and maintain composure even in the face of provocation.
“People may say things to get a reaction. But officers are trained to remain grounded, focused, and professional. That starts with remembering why they chose this career in the first place—to protect people, even in difficult moments,” Alexander said.
Accredited, Transparent, and Community-Focused
In 2025, WSCJTC became the second state agency in the country to earn accreditation from the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST)—receiving the highest score ever recorded nationally. This honor underscores WSCJTC’s leadership in setting the gold standard for training that is research-based, community-connected, and operationally sound.
“We want the public to know we’re not separate from the community—we’re part of it,” Alexander said. “Transparency is important to us. Anyone can schedule a time to visit our training and see how we’re preparing officers to serve with integrity.”
Through the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA), community voices also play a key role in shaping WSCJTC’s curriculum. Many recruits come from—and return to—serve the very communities they call home.
Training That Doesn’t Stop at Graduation
Law enforcement professionals in Washington are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every year. These courses, many developed by WSCJTC, address emerging community needs, legal updates, and real-world scenarios that officers face.
“Our curriculum is constantly evolving,” Alexander said. “We are committed to keeping training relevant, accountable, and effective.”
WSCJTC is proud to lead the nation in setting training standards that build community trust, reduce risk, and prepare officers for the reality of public service.
🔵 Learn more about our curriculum, IADLEST accreditation, and training philosophy at cjtc.wa.gov