The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code to officially recognize the Inspector General and deputy Inspector General as "peace officers" while performing their official duties, provided they have completed the necessary peace officer basic training program certified by the Ohio peace officer training commission. This change is reflected in the amendments to sections 109.71, 109.77, 121.483, and 2935.01, which outline the definitions and roles associated with peace officers in Ohio. Additionally, the bill updates terminology by replacing "mental health and addiction services" with "behavioral health," aligning with current practices in the field.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that all peace officer basic training programs include specific training on domestic violence offenses, protection orders, crisis intervention, and companion animal behavior, regardless of the officers' employment status. It clarifies that certain training requirements do not apply to individuals who served as peace officers on specific historical dates and introduces new provisions regarding the certification process, including criminal history checks. The bill also emphasizes the importance of training for handling missing children and child abuse cases and establishes refresher training requirements for officers with service lapses. Additionally, it repeals outdated sections of the Revised Code to streamline law enforcement definitions and responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.71, 109.77, 121.483, 2935.01