Along with projected increases in population, the law enforcement community in Western Washington is facing a dramatic increase in demand that will extend through the next decade. At the same time, the area is facing a critical shortage in the skilled workforce. Although there is often a large pool of applicants, many law enforcement agencies report difficulty in finding applicants who actually qualify for the position.

The cost of hiring the wrong officer is high. Developing a qualified pool of applicants is a matter of urgency for law enforcement agencies, training academies and taxpayers.

With the proper curricula, technical and community colleges can help prepare applicants for the needs of law enforcement. Skill Standards research is based on the premise that a proper curriculum can be developed only if members of the academic community forge a partnership with the law enforcement community.

A three-phase process was undertaken to develop the Skill Standards:

1) Identify critical work functions, key activities, and performance indicators and identify occupational technical knowledge and skills.

2) Identify and level academic and employability skills.

3) Validate the critical work functions and key activities.

Patrol Officer Critical Work Functions:

A) Perform Community Relations Duties;

B) Deter Crime through Proactive patrol;

C) Perform Reactive Patrol;

D) Prepare for Duty;

F) Provide Educational Services.