SB335 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Law enforcement, to require law enforcement officers to undergo sensitivity training, require law enforcement to recruit social workers

Summary

SB 335 would require law enforcement officers in Alabama to complete sensitivity training and would require agencies to recruit licensed clinical social workers as sworn officers.

What This Bill Does

It would require the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission to make sensitivity training part of officer academy study and require ongoing continuing education hours. Beginning January 1, 2019, all certified officers must complete this sensitivity training, covering bias, cultural competency, interactions with various populations, and de-escalation techniques. It would also require state and local agencies to recruit social workers licensed at the clinical level to become sworn officers and assist in crisis intervention and related areas. The commission would set compliance rules and report progress to legislative leaders, and the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after the governor’s approval.

Who It Affects

• Certified state and local law enforcement officers who must complete sensitivity training and report continuing education hours.
• Licensed clinical social workers who would be recruited to become sworn law enforcement officers and assist in crisis intervention, diversity, ethics, and related duties.

Key Provisions

• Sensitivity training requirement: The Commission must require sensitivity training as part of officer academy study, developed with the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers or a similar organization; certified officers must complete and report continuing education hours; training covers bias, cultural competency, interactions with minorities and other populations, and de-escalation.
• Recruitment and swearing-in of social workers: Beginning January 1, 2019, agencies must recruit licensed clinical social workers to become sworn officers; they will be trained to handle high-intensity situations and provide expertise in human behavior, crisis intervention, diversity, ethics, and diagnostic assessment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement