Resolution 2004-3, Supports the Removal of the 8-Hour, Statutory Requirement that Officers Attend Human Diversity Training Every 4 Years

WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature in 1993 passed s.943.1716, F.S requiring that criminal justice officers attend 8-hours of human diversity training every 4-years as part of the 40 hours of required instruction for continued employment as an officer; and

WHEREAS, Florida in-service officers have attended human diversity prescribed training as part of their 4-year continuing education requirement for over ten years; and

WHEREAS, the human diversity prescribed training has now been incorporated in the Florida law enforcement and correctional officer basic recruit training, thereby ensuring that all new recruits receive the same training as in-service officers; and

WHEREAS, training in the area of human diversity and professionalism is critical to the success of each officer and should remain a continuing education requirement for Florida criminal justice officers, it is recommended by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission that the prescribed number of hours for such training be statutorily removed; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,the Florida Police Chiefs' Association hereby supports legislation to remove the hourly requirement for officers to attend human diversity training for continued employment as an officer.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Florida Police Chiefs' Association encourages the Governor and members of the Florida Legislature to support legislation removing the eight-hour requirement to be filed in the 2005 Legislation Session.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 27TH DAY OF JUNE 2004, in Panama City Beach, Florida, at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.