(1) Applicants for a license or an endorsement as a bail bond recovery agent must complete not less than thirty-two 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 twelve 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 he/she has 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.