By John Lovick / Herald Forum
This month we achieved an important milestone for public safety in Washington. The new Regional Training Academy in Arlington graduated its first class of law enforcement officers. Less than two weeks later, another class of 34 recruits has already begun their training (“First class graduates from Arlington’s police academy,” The Herald, July 30).
Meanwhile, the Vancouver, Wash., Regional Training Academy has already trained 193 corrections officers who are now serving communities across the state. Our academies are addressing staffing shortages in our jails head-on and allowing recruits to stay close to their families and the neighborhoods they will protect. They no longer need to commute hours to Burien for training. They can be home for dinner.
For too long, recruits faced lengthy wait times to start training. That wait has been eliminated. Arlington’s acaedmy is the final of three campuses that I was proud to vote for in 2023. As a result, we are now training a record number of recruits; the highest in our state’s history. Continued funding of these regional academies ensures we can train more recruits locally.
I was a state trooper for 31 years; I know that strong community ties are the foundation of effective policing. Keeping officers close to their homes builds trust and fosters a greater sense of safety on our streets.
Washington is investing in safety, opportunity, and accountability. Recruits are graduating sooner and entering the workforce ready to serve and protect. By continuing this momentum, we can ensure a new generation of officers is trained to serve with integrity, dignity and respect. That’s how we build a safer Washington for all.
Congratulations to the first graduating class from our Arlington academy! Thank you for your commitment to our state.
State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, represents the 44th Legislative District.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
