The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the training and certification requirements for law enforcement officers in Ohio. It introduces a new section, 109.791, which empowers the Ohio peace officer training commission to develop additional training courses for officers at or above the rank of sergeant. Additionally, it modifies section 109.804 to require a 40-hour chief of police training course for newly appointed chiefs, covering essential topics such as diversity training and community-police relations. The commission will determine the course content and offer it at least semiannually, while newly appointed chiefs may request an equivalency exemption for up to eight hours of training based on prior qualifications.

Moreover, the bill amends section 124.11 to clarify the classification of civil service positions, specifically exempting certain law enforcement roles from competitive examinations. It introduces provisions that allow the director of administrative services to bypass competition for vacancies in police departments if candidates possess specialized certifications or have completed police cadet training programs. The bill also establishes that chiefs of police may conduct training schools for prospective officers, with the authority to set admission rules and conduct competitive examinations. Upon successful completion of the training, graduates may be directly hired by the relevant department, provided they meet the original appointment requirements. Existing sections of the Revised Code that are now superseded by these new provisions will be repealed.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 124.11, 124.30
As Reported By House Committee: 109.804, 124.11, 124.30
As Passed By House: 109.804, 124.11, 124.30
As Reported By Senate Committee: 109.804, 124.11, 124.30
As Passed By Senate: 109.804, 124.11, 124.30
As Enrolled: 109.804, 124.11, 124.30