Gov. Nixon Commends DPS and Post Commission for Implementing New Law Enforcement Training Standards

Gov. Jay Nixon today issued a statement on the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) implementing new rules to update and enhance Missouri law enforcement training standards.

Last year, at the Governor's direction, the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the POST Commission undertook an open and transparent process to enhance Missouri's law enforcement training standards in the key areas of fair and impartial policing; tactical and de-escalation techniques; mental health crisis response; and officer well-being. Final rules were filed by the Department with the Secretary of State's office on March 21 after the public comment period and review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules were completed.

"I commend the POST Commission and Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts for making the most wide-ranging enhancements to officer training standards in nearly two decades," Gov. Nixon said. "Our goal was to achieve the most effective, timely and beneficial training possible to protect the welfare of both those who wear the badge and the citizens they serve. I believe our comprehensive approach will make for a safer Missouri."

"Police officers have always had tough, demanding jobs, but during my 43 years in law enforcement, the work has only become more complex, challenging, and stressful," Public Safety Director Roberts said. "I believe the improved training requirements we're instituting, based on input from the law enforcement community and citizens, will provide Missouri police with the most comprehensive and up-to-date training available and help ensure they continue to perform at a high level as they protect the citizens of Missouri."

DPS and the POST Commission held six public hearings around the state to gather input from Missourians, including law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups and citizens. The new standards require training each year in the four key areas identified, and mandate a 50 percent increase in the number of continuing education training hours for officers to maintain a law enforcement license -- from 48 hours every three years to the new standard of 24 hours each year.

Following publication by the Secretary of State on April 15, the rules will become effective on May 30. The new continuing education training standards take effect Jan. 1, 2017.

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