Academy

The WSP Training Division administers all training programs for WSP employees and identifies agency training needs to develop and implement programs conducted at the Academy and throughout the state.

Speed

Driven to Perform

High speeds. Tight turns. Total control. At the WSP Academy, driver training is more than a skill, it’s a discipline. Get a firsthand look at how troopers train to stay sharp, stay safe, and stay ready behind the wheel.

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Grit

Confidence in Motion

From defensive tactics to high-performance driving, WSP troopers are trained to handle whatever comes their way. At the Academy, it’s all about discipline, precision, and pushing past limits. Step inside the training grounds where confidence is earned and readiness is built.

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Awaken

WSP Academy

The WSP Training Division administers all training programs for WSP employees, and identifies agency training needs to develop and implement programs conducted at the Academy and throughout the state. The division provides training for other law enforcement agencies as well, and is recognized as one of the finest public safety training institutions in the nation.

The WSP Academy is located at 631 W Dayton Airport Road, Shelton, WA 98584, and is situated amid 190 acres of evergreen forests with occasional vistas of the Olympic Mountains. Initially dedicated in 1969, the training complex includes: an administration building; dormitories for 96 live-in students; a multipurpose building with a gymnasium and water training tank; a kitchen and dining hall; an outdoor firing range; a driver training course; an auto shop; as well as several classrooms and conference rooms. The facility can accommodate up to 120 students each day for training and meetings.

Courses

We have options to help you succeed

Trooper Cadet Training

Trooper cadets undergo a rigorous 28-week basic training course that includes around 300 hours of classroom instruction covering state laws, WSP procedures, and practical law enforcement exercises. Cadets reside on campus during the week and return home on weekends and holidays. Training also includes defensive tactics such as OC-10, ASP baton, taser use, and de-escalation techniques, emphasizing the appropriate and minimal use of force. Upon completion, an open house and awards ceremony are held, followed by graduation at the Washington State Capitol, where cadets march in formation and are sworn in by the State Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Collision Investigation Training

Collision investigation is one of the most notable courses offered at the Academy. The training remains on the cutting edge of technology, investigative procedures, and techniques. Washington State Patrol Troopers are nationally recognized as experts in the field because of ongoing advances in the program and the refresher training provided to field personnel. Troopers trained at the basic, advanced, technical, and reconstruction levels of collision investigation are trained to utilize technologies including total stations, 3D scanners, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Canine Training

The WSP Academy is home to the Canine Training facility, which provides training for the many narcotics and explosive detection dogs in the WSP workforce. This facility is fully equipped with a training building, classroom, and kennels that allow the handlers to provide the most thorough, detailed, and specific training in the country. In addition to training WSP canines, the facility and trainers are requested by external agencies for their canine training programs as well.

Other Specialized Training

The WSP Academy also offers Field Training Officer Training, Leadership Training, Drug Recognition Expert Training, Interview and Interrogation Training, Hazardous Material Training, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course Training and other specialized and/or advanced level training activities.

Communications Officer Training

Communications Officers (COs) complete a 4–6-month training process that includes on-the-job and Academy instruction. They start with 4–6 weeks at their assigned center, followed by two weeks at the Academy for classroom training, then return for 6–8 weeks of practical experience before a final two weeks at the Academy with advanced scenarios and simulations. Training covers dispatch systems, emergency procedures, and high-risk call handling using varied teaching methods. COs finish with all required certifications and tests, and while commuting is allowed, staying at the Academy is encouraged for stronger team performance.

Commercial Vehicle Officer Enforcement Training

The 13-week CVEO basic training course at the WSP Academy prepares employees for CVEO 1 duties, including first aid, firearms, defensive tactics, defensive driving, and CVSA inspection procedures. Students stay on campus during the week and may go home on weekends and holidays. After graduation, held at the Academy and led by the WSP Chief, new CVEOs are officially sworn in.

Other Specialized Training

Facilities

WSP Training Facilities

Classrooms

The classroom facilities are equipped with multimedia capabilities and other learning resources, depending on the course of study. In addition, the Academy ~~also~~ has its own computer lab, which is used for agency training and by external organizations.

Drive Course

A well-known feature of the WSP Academy is the 2.7-mile emergency vehicle driving course, which is one of the finest in the country. The nationally recognized course remains in constant use for driving instruction, as well as providing a realistic environment for other aspects of WSP training.

Training Tank

The Academy is known for several unique types of training. A large water safety training tank is used to teach water safety and underwater vehicle passenger extraction and rescue techniques. In addition, officers are trained in how to use their weapons in a water environment and in proper techniques for suspect apprehension in and around the water.

Multipurpose Building & Gymnasium

The WSP Academy has a workout facility and weight machines that students can use throughout their training. The gymnasium functions as a multi-use facility for defensive tactics training, physical fitness activities, group meetings, and other ceremonies. The Academy is also equipped with a variety of defensive training tools, such as a firearms simulator and punching dummies.

Firing Range

The WSP Training Academy features its own firing range where students and other law enforcement officers are trained on the use of a variety of weapons. Firearms training at the Academy includes close-range shooting, long-distance shooting, night firearms, sniper training, and scenario training using the VirTra 300 judgment simulator.

Dormitories

The WSP Academy is equipped with living facilities that can house up to 94 personnel at any given time. These facilities include dorm rooms with two single beds, closets, and a sink; study facilities with computer and internet access; lounge rooms; and shower facilities. The Academy has its own cafeteria and kitchen facilities. The kitchen staff cooks and serves three meals every day at the WSP Academy. The cafeteria and living facilities may be used by external agencies when available.

Timeline

Academy Training

WSP cadets are also taught a variety of defensive tactics at the Academy, such as personal weapons, OC-10, ASP baton, and taser training. This training ensures officers understand their own capabilities, the functionality of the belt weapons they carry, and the limitations associated with their use. In addition, officers are taught how to utilize de-escalation skills and use the least amount of force to gain compliance.

Trooper Basic Training Class

Follow a rigorous selection process, trooper cadets attend a 28-week basic training course at the Washington State Patrol Training Academy in Shelton Washington. During the basic course, cadets undergo approximately 1,116 hours of classroom and practical training.

28 Weeks

Field Training Assignment

During this time, the trooper cadet is conducting law enforcement activities under the guidance and supervision of a commissioned field training officer who is providing feedback and evaluating their performance.

10 Weeks

Graduation Ceremony

After every Trooper Basic Class, the Training Division hosts an open house and awards ceremony for the cadets and their families. The following day is the formal graduation ceremony, which generally takes place in Olympia in the Legislative Building Rotunda.

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