AR HB1396

Law enforcement officers enrolled in commission-certified basic police training academies must complete at least 2 hours of training on interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, with practicum training acceptable to satisfy this requirement.

Training curriculum shall cover identification of affected persons, associated risks (wandering, communication impairments, adult maltreatment), best practices for interaction, psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, communication strategies, safety protocols, search and rescue procedures, and connecting individuals to care resources.

Training must be provided by qualified medical or mental health providers with experience working with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with curriculum approval required from the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Institute.

Requirements apply only to law enforcement officers enrolled in commission-certified basic police training academies on and after January 1, 2024.

Bill was approved on March 6, 2023.