July 2025 Edition
Raising the Bar: Welcoming Class 500 and Powering Forward in 2025
This month marks a milestone for WSCJTC as we welcome COA Class 500—our 500th Corrections Officers Academy class. That number represents more than just the size of our training pipeline—it reflects years of commitment to preparing professionals who are ready to lead with integrity and compassion inside Washington’s jails. And the good news? We’ve eliminated the long waitlists that once delayed entry into the academy. For the first time in years, there's no wait time to start training in Burien, which means our partners can get people into the field faster. But to keep that momentum, we need help filling those seats. So please keep hiring —we’re ready.
Later this month, BLEA Class 915 will graduate in Arlington, representing communities from every corner of the state. Watching our recruits complete this journey never gets old. It reminds me of how far we’ve come in a short time—and how much further we can go together.
On campus, we’re embracing sustainability and innovation. In June, we opened five new electric vehicle charging stations thanks to a grant from the Department of Enterprise Services. These stations are already reducing emissions and helping our recruits, staff, and visitors stay charged and ready. We’re also investing in electric short-range vehicles, keeping our operations cleaner and more efficient.
You may also notice a bold new look around our Burien campus. We’ve installed branded wraps that highlight our IADLEST accreditation—the highest score in the nation, by the way. This isn’t just a visual upgrade; it reflects our values, showcases our community/law enforcement-centered approach.
As we hit the halfway point in 2025, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve secured legislative funding, modernized training, and strengthened our partnerships with agencies across the state. But we’re not slowing down. There’s still work to do—on curriculum, on certification, and on ensuring every recruit, every officer, and every community sees the impact of what we’re building.
What we do at WSCJTC matters. Every officer who comes through our doors receives the same foundational training, built on science, accountability, and community trust. That’s how we create consistency across the state—and that’s why I’m proud of this team every single day.
— Monica