About us

“Committed to Developing Those Who Protect & Serve Others.”

The Washington State Sheriffs’ Association welcomes law enforcement professionals to a series of world-class training courses called the Professional Development Series or PDS.

The mission of PDS is to enhance professionalism, boost competence, increase a greater understanding of our profession earlier in careers, inspire confidence, reduce grievances, reduce personnel complaints, reduce lawsuits, reduce stress, increase morale, increase individual and organizational wellness, develop an increased commitment to the profession, and assist in achieving state mandated training compliance. The goals of PDS are lofty, but worth every ounce of effort. We encourage you to join us and find out for yourself.

PDS courses are as engaging and enjoyable as they are informative, contemporary, and valuable to today’s professionals. See what your colleagues are saying.

Our Goal is to help YOU be Better.

It’s never too soon or too late to get better.

PDS’ target audience are the members of local, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies. All current law enforcement agency employees; commissioned, limited commission, and non-commissioned personnel of all ranks, assignments, and tenure are welcome and encouraged to attend. See Blue Line Leadership for attendee restrictions. Other than those, all are welcome.

PDS has found that regional attendance by multiple agencies enhances student growth and the professional networking that occurs benefits all attendees.

All PDS instructors are world-class experts in their fields with decades of real-world experience. Our instructors are current or recently retired law enforcement leaders. They’ve been there, done that, and truly understand what you’re dealing with these days in our profession. Let their experiences help you have the fulfilling career, and personal life, you want.

All WSSA PDS courses count towards elective hour requirements for Career Level Certification and annual 24 hour training requirements for Washington State law enforcement and corrections personnel.