Provides expanded training opportunities and increases cost efficiencies

Working in cooperation with local police, Rep. William F. Adolph Jr. (R-Delaware) has introduced legislation that would provide local departments an opportunity to better train officers in a more cost-effective manner. The measure (House Bill 17) would expand options for municipal police training and change the time frame in which required courses must be completed.

“Ongoing discussions with our local police departments have brought to light the fact that our officers need more options in fulfilling required training,” Adolph said. “The current system is too limiting, and we need to be sure the state’s requirements for officer training are not complicating our police departments’ already difficult jobs.”

House Bill 17 would amend the state’s existing Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Act.

As it stands now, the act requires local police officers to take 12 hours of continuing education annually. However, the existing law does not allow officers to take part of their in-service training online or to substitute college courses for the training.

House Bill 17 would change the existing law to allow training to be completed on a biennial basis and would require 24 hours of in-service education during this period. Furthermore, the measure would allow courses to be taken online and provide credit for training through the completion of courses at an accredited college or university.

“Primarily, this legislation will provide more flexibility for our municipal police officers to expand upon their existing skills, and it will offer our departments more cost-efficient options relative to training,” Adolph added. “We want to give our local police forces all the resources needed to effectively do their jobs, and expanding the manner in which they are allowed to acquire additional training is a simple step in supporting their efforts.”

Rep. William F. Adolph, Jr.
165th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

House Appropriations Committee

 Republican Chairman
(610) 544-9878
(717) 787-1248

Member Site:  WilliamAdolph.com

Contact:  Todd Brysiak

House Appropriations Committee

(717) 787-1711

Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com