Arkansas House Bill HB1396

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/20/23
• Engrossed: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Report Pass: 2/27/23
• Enrolled: 3/1/23
• Chaptered: 3/6/23
• Passed: 3/6/23

Caption

Concerning Law Enforcement Officer Training And Standards; And To Require Training Concerning Persons With Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias For Officer Certification.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend existing Arkansas law to include specific training requirements for law enforcement officers. This addition is a significant step towards ensuring that officers are better equipped to handle situations involving elderly individuals showing signs of cognitive impairments. By providing such training, the bill acknowledges the unique challenges and risks associated with Alzheimer's and dementia, thus potentially improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals during encounters with law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 1396 aims to improve the training standards for law enforcement officers in Arkansas regarding interactions with individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The bill mandates that officers enrolled in a commission-certified basic police training academy must complete at least two hours of specific training focused on understanding and addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations. The training encompasses identification of symptoms, communication techniques, behavioral symptoms, safety protocols, and best practices for engaging with affected individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1396 appears to be positive, with bipartisan support reflected in its voting history, evidenced by a unanimous vote of 34 to 0 during its third reading. Legislators view the bill as a necessary enhancement to the existing training protocols that recognize the growing needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. This support likely stems from a shared understanding of the importance of sensitive and informed interactions between law enforcement and the community's most vulnerable members.

Contention

While there seems to be strong support for HB 1396, potential points of contention may arise regarding the sufficiency and delivery of the proposed training. Some stakeholders might question the effectiveness of only two hours of training and whether it sufficiently prepares officers for real-world scenarios. Additionally, concerns could be raised about the resources available to implement this training consistently across the state, impacting its overall effectiveness.