Us Congress House Bill HB9119

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/24/24
• Refer: 7/24/24

Caption

Alzheimer's Law Enforcement Education Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, HB9119 would have significant implications for law enforcement practices across the nation. By implementing this training, law enforcement agencies would better understand the nuances of interacting with vulnerable populations experiencing cognitive decline. The bill not only seeks to improve the quality of interactions between officers and individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia but also aims to reduce incidents of misunderstanding or conflict stemming from a lack of knowledge about these conditions. Additionally, completion of this training may count towards required instruction hours for law enforcement officers, which could promote its adoption by various agencies.

Summary

House Bill 9119, known as the Alzheimer's Law Enforcement Education Act of 2024, aims to establish a specialized training program for law enforcement personnel regarding Alzheimer's disease and similar forms of dementia. This legislation mandates the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to create a comprehensive online training course that would enhance police interactions with individuals suffering from these conditions. The course is intended to equip officers with the necessary skills to identify behavioral symptoms, communicate effectively, and utilize alternatives to physical restraints when dealing with affected individuals.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding the implementation of HB9119, particularly regarding funding and resources necessary to support this training initiative. Law enforcement agencies might express concerns regarding the financial burden of implementing the training, especially in jurisdictions with limited budgets. Additionally, there could be debates about the adequacy of the training materials and whether they sufficiently address the diverse needs of officers who encounter various behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Ensuring that the training is practical and relevant to real-world scenarios will be key to its effectiveness and acceptance within the law enforcement community.