SF692

Senate Bill SF No 692 proposes the establishment of a reimbursement program to fund training programs for peace officers on the appropriate use of force, including deadly force. The bill allocates $2,500,000 for the fiscal year 2025 from the general state fund to the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education. This funding is intended to be given as grants to certified postsecondary schools that provide professional education for peace officers.

To qualify for these reimbursement grants, the training programs must meet several criteria: they must comply with existing state law regulations, incorporate scenario-based training using non-lethal ammunition, address the physical and psychological impacts of stress in high-risk situations, include instruction on de-escalation tactics, and cover various defensive tactics. The training should be free for officers and law enforcement agencies.

Postsecondary schools that provide this training can apply for a reimbursement of $450 per officer who completes the training. Schools need to submit participating officers' names and license numbers for verification.

This initiative aims to enhance the skill set of peace officers in handling forceful situations effectively and ethically, in order to improve public safety and officer well-being.