The commission consists of the executive director, staff, and 21 commissioners. The executive director will approve recommendations for training consistent with adopted goals and standards. The executive director will approve recommendations and other matters of the commission that require staff involvement to implement and will direct such assignments to appropriate personnel. The commissioners will review other recommendations for approval or rejection. The commissioners determine agency policy and the director and staff implement the policy established by the commissioners. The commissioners approve agency policies that establish or change the direction of the commission. The commissioners empower the executive director to make decisions regarding all internal functions related to the operation of the commission. This includes, but is not limited to, management of personnel decisions, budget and finance, development and implementation of internal operational and organizational policies and procedures. The executive director will develop a strategic plan for the future of the agency with input and final approval from the commissioners.

The business office of the commission is located at 3060 Willamette Drive N.E., Lacey, Washington 98516. The mailing address is Post Office Box 40905, Olympia, Washington 98504. It is maintained by the commission's executive director and staff from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and the days the commission is closed, and serves as a central repository for the commission's records of administration and operation.

The Criminal Justice Training Center, 19010 1st Avenue, Burien, Washington 98148, serves as the commission's primary training site. Other training is conducted locally, regionally, or at centralized locations statewide, as determined by staff.