SCS/SB 892 - This act revises the training and certification requirements for peace officers and reserve officers. The act makes the following changes to current law:

Peace officers are required to have 470 hours of training. Currently, counties of the third classification are allowed to employ peace officers with 120 hours of training. The act places a sunset provision on this exception for January 1, 2001. After that date, they must comply with the 470 hour requirement. Reserve officers are not included, and may continue to be employed in counties of the third classification with 120 hours of training.

Language allowing hiring of "probationary" officer with less than 470 hours of training has been deleted. Any applicant to a certified law enforcement training center must submit a fingerprint card and authorize a criminal history background check. The Department of Public Safety must be notified by an employing agency of any termination, retirement or leave of absence of any peace officer or reserve officer. In certain cases, the reason for the separation from employment must be stated. Out-of-state and federal officers have the opportunity to become certified.

All appointed deputies or assistants who are employed as peace officers must be certified. The exemption currently exists for counties with a population less than 2,000 to hire untrained and uncertified peace officers. The act eliminates this exemption, and a grandfather clause is included for uncertified peace officers employed by such municipalities as of the effective date of the act. The current exemption for any training or certification for counties with four or less full- time deputies is also deleted.

The Director of the Department of Public Safety may deny an applicant to a certified academy or training program for certain violations and criminal convictions, which include a suspended imposition of sentence for misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. The act provides for immediate suspension of certified instructors or peace officers, and right to appeal to Administrative Hearing Commission. A violation of this chapter is a Class B misdemeanor.
JOAN GUMMELS