SB251 Summary

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

• All certified law enforcement officers must complete continuing education courses in sensitivity training covering social, ethnic, and racial bias; cultural competency; diversity; de-escalation tactics; and interaction with minorities, disabled persons, mentally ill individuals, and unlawfully present aliens, effective January 1, 2020.

• State and local law enforcement agencies must engage in recruitment efforts to hire social workers licensed at the clinical level of practice as sworn law enforcement officers, beginning January 1, 2020.

• All uniformed law enforcement officers who carry firearms must also carry a non-lethal weapon and receive training in its appropriate use.

• The Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission shall submit compliance reports to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate at the beginning of each regular legislative session.