State Patrol investigating cheating allegations at police academy

SEATTLE – The discovery of a computer thumb drive containing both questions and answers of an unauthorized study guide has prompted an investigation at Washington State’s school for new police recruits.

The problem came to light when a new recruit told administrators that the thumb drive was circulating through two of the three classes of new recruits.

“I am deeply disappointed in the recruits who used or had knowledge about the existence of this material and did not come forward to report it,” said Sue Rahr, director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission.  “It tarnishes the integrity of our profession and damages public trust.”

The Washington State Patrol is leading the investigation into allegations of cheating.

Rarh said she doesn’t know how long the material on the thumb drive has been circulating through recruits.

“Effective immediately we are operating as if all tests have been compromised,” said Rahr in a statement. “The two classes that we know had access to test questions and answers will be required to pass an additional, newly created, comprehensive test in order to graduate.”

Other than officers with the Washington State Patrol, every cop in Washington must complete the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the Criminal Justice Training Commission.