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“INTRODUCTION OF THE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' TRAINING ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1324 on July 12, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' TRAINING ACT
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HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 12, 2001
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Law Enforcement Officers' Training Act, a bill to establish a program within the Department of Labor to provide grants for training of law enforcement officers.
Nearly every major study of police and law enforcement agencies conducted over the last forty years, from the Kerner Commission report in 1968 through the recent scandals in Los Angeles, has identified individual training as an essential element of police reform.
My proposal takes advantage of the Department of Labor's expertise in designing, implementing and administering effective programs to improve skills and to promote professional development of our workforce. While the Justice Department makes grants available to governmental entities for projects to fight crime and improve public safety, there has been a failure to focus on individual professional development as a factor in improving the delivery of law enforcement and public safety services.
My bill directs the Labor Department to focus on training and development in six specific areas: community policing, development of policing skills in a multi-cultural environment, officer survival and defense, the application of technology in law enforcement, supervision and mid-level management skills and techniques, and identification and management of officer fatigue and sleep deprivation.
These grants could be awarded to training institutions, educational institutions, and classrooms of law enforcement officers. Funds could be used for seminars, classes, workshops, conferences or other training sessions in accordance with guidelines developed by the Department of Labor.
The Law Enforcement Officers' Training Act will result in better relationships between police officers and the public, improved public safety, more efficient delivery of protective services, and enhanced sensitivity to our multi-cultural environment.
In developing this legislation I have had the opportunity to work with the leadership of the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO. I sincerely appreciate their efforts on this proposal.
I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation which will improve the security of all of our constituents.
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