In the aftermath of a 73-year-old Tulsa reserve deputy shooting an unarmed suspect, state lawmakers introduce a bill to require more training for volunteer lawmen.
The bill would basically require volunteer officers to receive 50 percent of the training of full-time ones. That would mean 60 more hours in academy and 15 hours of annual continuing education.
Rep. Johnny Tadlock said they know there are just a few weeks left in the session.
"So it's not like we can make massive reforms. But this is something that we feel that we can get done this year, and it probably is the most glaring and the largest component of a deficiency that we've recognized," Tadlock said. "And this gives us the opportunity to fix what we consider is the biggest problem immediately."
Right now, reserve officers’ only annual training requirement is range qualification. The 15 hours of annual training will be recorded by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
"There's no requirement that they submit training to CLEET, because it's not mandated by state," said CLEET Director Steve Emmons. "This would change that, where there would be that requirement."
Despite the timing, Rep. Mike Christian said it’s not in response to the Tulsa shooting.
"This is not about a particular incident," Christian said. "That's not why we're here. It was brought to our attention."
Senate Bill 526 will go to a conference committee. It could be finalized and passed this session.
