Law enforcement officers to see increased oversight and accountability

After the Senate concurred on changes made by the House, both chambers passed a bill providing increased oversight and accountability of law enforcement officers.

As amended by the House, SB 5051 now requires the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature that includes:

• The number of peace officers and other categories of officers required to complete basic law enforcement training and certification requirements;
• Recommendations for clarifying updates to statutes and rules defining and categorizing officers; and
• The backlog, prioritization of admission, and demand for the CJTC's basic law enforcement academy classes.

The bill also allows a tribal government, prior to requesting certification for its police officers, to request a consultation with the CJTC in order to ensure clarity regarding certification requirements.

Additionally, the bill removes the provision stating that the background investigation may include any other test or assessment required in rule by the CJTC. Instead, it reinstates the current law providing that statutorily required background tests or assessments must be administered in compliance with standards established by the CJTC.

SB 5051 now awaits a signature from the Governor.