Bill would require additional training for police

The Judiciary Committee heard testimony Feb. 16 on a bill that would create additional certification and continuing education requirements for police officers.

LB1046, introduced by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, would require law enforcement officers to take a minimum of 20 hours of criminal justice or law enforcement courses annually until they become certified. Failure to meet the requirements would result in suspension of an officer’s training diploma until his or her education is complete.

An exemption would be allowed for an officer who is on active duty or if an officer can demonstrate an acceptable reason for not completing such requirements.

Harr said laws, communication and technology are constantly in flux. It is important that law enforcement officers continually are being educated, he said, so they can communicate and serve citizens effectively.

Bob Lausten, chief of police in LaVista, testified in support of the bill, saying the state currently does not require additional training after officers have graduated the police academy. Lausten said the state should enhance its minimum standards for an occupation that involves the use of weapons and making arrests.

Jeremy Kinsey, vice president of the Nebraska State Lodge, also testified in support of the bill. Police officers’ duties have significantly increased in the past 10 years to more than just peacekeepers, Kinsey said – they also must know how to take digital photographs and monitor digital crimes among many other enhanced skills. To become more qualified, he said, officers must have additional training.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.