The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to improve the training and hiring processes 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 mandate a 40-hour training course for newly appointed chiefs of police, focusing on essential topics such as diversity training and community-police relations. The bill also provides for equivalency exemptions for certain training topics and allows for deferrals of training requirements due to medical disabilities.

Moreover, the bill revises section 124.11 to clarify the classification of civil service positions, particularly concerning the unclassified service. It includes provisions that exempt employees participating in prospective law enforcement training schools from competitive examinations, thereby streamlining the hiring process. The bill also allows for the suspension of competitive examination requirements for filling police department vacancies under specific conditions, such as when candidates have specialized qualifications or have completed a police cadet training program. Temporary appointments made under urgent circumstances will not impact an individual's standing on the eligible list for permanent positions. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the qualifications and preparedness of law enforcement personnel in Ohio while ensuring a more efficient hiring process.

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