[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' TRAINING ACT

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                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Law Enforcement 
Officers' Training Act, a bill to establish a program within the 
Department of Labor to provide grants for training of law enforcement 
officers.
  Nearly every major study of police and law enforcement agencies 
conducted over the last forty years, from the Kerner Commission report 
in 1968 through the recent scandals in Los Angeles, has identified 
individual training as an essential element of police reform.
  My proposal takes advantage of the Department of Labor's expertise in 
designing, implementing and administering effective programs to improve 
skills and to promote professional development of our workforce. While 
the Justice Department makes grants available to governmental entities 
for projects to fight crime and improve public safety, there has been a 
failure to focus on individual professional development as a factor in 
improving the delivery of law enforcement and public safety services.
  My bill directs the Labor Department to focus on training and 
development in six specific areas: community policing, development of 
policing skills in a multi-cultural environment, officer survival and 
defense, the application of technology in law enforcement, supervision 
and mid-level management skills and techniques, and identification and 
management of officer fatigue and sleep deprivation.
  These grants could be awarded to training institutions, educational 
institutions, and classrooms of law enforcement officers. Funds could 
be used for seminars, classes, workshops, conferences or other training 
sessions in accordance with guidelines developed by the Department of 
Labor.
  The Law Enforcement Officers' Training Act will result in better 
relationships between police officers and the public, improved public 
safety, more efficient delivery of protective services, and enhanced 
sensitivity to our multi-cultural environment.
  In developing this legislation I have had the opportunity to work 
with the leadership of the International Union of Police Associations, 
AFL-CIO. I sincerely appreciate their efforts on this proposal.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation which 
will improve the security of all of our constituents.

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