AR HB1598

Requires law enforcement officers to complete at least 20 hours of training in domestic violence investigation and 20 hours in child abuse investigation before certification by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

Mandates certified law enforcement officers complete annual supplemental training of at least 4 hours on domestic violence cases and at least 4 hours on child abuse cases.

Specifies training topics must include domestic abuse dynamics, the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, victim interview techniques, supportive services, pro-arrest guidelines, and child maltreatment laws.

Adds new training requirements on evidence collection techniques to enable prosecution when victims are unavailable or unwilling to testify, child sexual abuse indicators, and physical/behavioral indicators of abuse.

Includes website and social media outreach training designed to increase visibility and availability of victim resources, with instruction on providing Internet links to victim information.