Oklahoma House Bill HB3804

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training; authorizing online training course; effective date.

Impact

The overall impact of HB3804 on state laws includes the expansion of CLEET's capabilities to incorporate modern training methods, thereby addressing the evolving needs of law enforcement personnel. By providing options for online courses, officers will be able to fulfill their training requirements more flexibly, which can be especially beneficial in rural areas. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of background checks and psychological evaluations before an individual can be certified as a law enforcement officer, which aims to ensure only qualified candidates serve in public safety roles.

Summary

House Bill 3804 was introduced to strengthen the standards for law enforcement training and certification in Oklahoma. This legislation amends Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifically enhancing the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training's (CLEET) role in providing training for law enforcement officers. A notable feature of this bill is the authorization for the implementation of an online training course, which allows law enforcement officers to complete required training remotely. This initiative aims to facilitate ongoing education and enhance accessibility.

Contention

While the bill presents progressive changes aimed at upgrading law enforcement training, it may face opposition regarding the quality and effectiveness of online training compared to traditional in-person training. Concerns could arise about whether online education will provide sufficient scenarios and interactions essential for law enforcement training. Moreover, amendments in oversight concerning how training is conducted may also bring discussions on budget implications and the extent of funding necessary to implement these changes effectively. These discussions may further engage stakeholders around the protection of public trust and the integrity of law enforcement operations.