SB92 Summary

• Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission must 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.

• Starting January 1, 2021, all certified law enforcement officers must complete sensitivity training covering social, ethnic, and racial bias; cultural competency; diversity; de-escalation tactics; and interactions with minorities, disabled persons, mentally ill individuals, and other vulnerable populations.

• State and local law enforcement agencies must recruit clinically-licensed social workers to become sworn law enforcement officers, who will assist with human behavior assessment, crisis intervention, diversity issues, ethics, and diagnostic expertise.

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

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