Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) are the only public safety professionals who are not required to be certified and do not have standardized training. The public expects a standard level of service when they call 911 regardless of where they are in the State. All PSTs need to receive minimum training to ensure a standard level of service. Continuing education and recertification will keep PSTs’ skills and knowledge current and prepare them for changes in the profession.

The Bill establishes a volunteer PST Certification Board that will 1) Set minimum training standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators 2) Ensure PST training programs meet the standards 3) Set the certification and recertification requirements 4) Plan the transition process for existing PSTs to obtain initial certification.
 
The bill acknowledges PSTs as part of the first responder community. Long over-due!

The Bill establishes a PST Certification Board composed of:
o   Chair or Vice-Chair State 911 Advisory Committee
o   2- Emergency Communications Centers Directors (East/West)
o   2- Labor Union Representatives
o   1-Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Representative
o   1-State Fire Chiefs Association Representative
o   1-Washington Association of Counties Representative
o   2-Public Safety Telecommunicators (East/West)

The State 911 Coordinator’s Office will provide staff functions for the Board

The nominal funding required to administer the program and the Board activities will come from the State E911 account. An excise tax on telecommunications devices funds the State E911 Account.

31 other States require some level of minimum training for telecommunicators