SB335 Summary

• Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission shall require sensitivity training as part of law enforcement officer academy curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers or similar organization.

• All certified law enforcement officers must complete sensitivity training beginning January 1, 2019, including instruction on social, ethnic, and racial bias; cultural competency; de-escalation tactics; and interaction with minorities, disabled persons, mentally ill individuals, and undocumented aliens.

• Certified law enforcement officers must complete and report continuing education hours in sensitivity training to the commission, which shall submit compliance reports to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate at the beginning of each legislative session.

• State and local law enforcement agencies shall recruit clinically-licensed social workers into the law enforcement officer workforce beginning January 1, 2019, to assist in crisis intervention, human behavior assessment, diversity issues, ethics, and diagnostic expertise.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.