Law enforcement requirements updated

Residency requirements for certain county sheriffs and other law enforcement provisions were updated by passage of a bill April 9.

Under LB784, sponsored by Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, sheriffs in counties without a metropolitan, primary or first class city are not required to reside in the county when filing for office, but must live in the county or an adjoining county while serving.

The bill also updates uniform standards for sheriffs’ offices, allowing sheriffs to determine dress and patrol uniform requirements within certain parameters and removing a requirement that uniforms be purchased through a supplier contracted with by the state.

Finally, LB784 updates continuing education requirements for law enforcement officers. Officers in agencies that employ fewer than 25 full-time officers are required to complete 24 hours annually and officers in larger agencies are required to complete 32 hours annually.

Annual training includes legal updates and refresher courses on firearms, de-escalation and officer wellness. Refresher courses on vehicular pursuit policies, mental health and substance abuse are required every three years. The requirements do not apply to noncertified conditional officers.

LB784 passed on a 48-0 vote.