WAC 308-19-305. Minimum prelicense training requirements and exceptions for bail bond recovery agents

(1) Applicants for a license or an endorsement as a bail bond recovery agent must complete not less than 32 hours of prelicense training in field operations and self-study in the following subjects, except as otherwise provided in this section. (a) Prelicense training in civil or criminal law can be achieved through public or private instruction or self-study and must include the following training topics: (i) State statutes relating to bail regulations; (ii) Constitutional law; (iii) Procedures for surrendering defendants into custody; (iv) Procedures for exoneration; (v) Civil liability; (vi) Civil rights of persons who are detained in custody; (vii) Basic principles of identifying and locating defendants to include public records and confidentially, and surveillance; (viii) Contracts; (ix) Powers of a bail bond recovery agent; (b) Prelicense training in procedures for field operations can be achieved through public or private instruction and must include the following training and certifications: (i) Training in use of force and degrees of force, including verbal, Taser X/M26, baton either expandable, straight stick, or side handle, and oleo capsicum resin sprays or foams rated at 100,000 to 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units; (ii) Safety techniques; (iii) Entering and searching buildings; (iv) The custody and transportation of prisoners including persons who are violent, emotionally disturbed or under the influence of alcohol, or drugs; (v) Defensive tactics; (vi) Application of restraints/handcuffing procedures; (vii) All applicants shall obtain gun safety training from an approved trainer, or applicants intending to carry a firearm as a bail bond recovery agent shall obtain and keep current firearm certification from the criminal justice training commission; (viii) Certification in the following defensive tools: Taser X/M26, baton either expandable, straight stick, or side handle, and oleo capsicum resin sprays or foams rated at 100,000 to 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units within 12 months of applying for a license or endorsement. (2) In place of completing the prelicense training in procedures for field operations established in subsection (1) of this section required under RCW 18.185.260 , an applicant may submit proof to the department that they have completed a course of training required by a municipal, state or federal law enforcement agency or a branch of the armed forces to carry out the duties of a peace officer within the past six years.