SB251 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

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

Summary

SB 251 would require Alabama law enforcement officers to complete sensitivity training and would require agencies to recruit licensed clinical social workers as officers.

What This Bill Does

It adds a sensitivity training program to police academies, developed with the NASW or a similar group, and requires officers to earn and report continuing education hours in this training. Beginning January 1, 2020, all certified officers must complete the program, which covers bias, cultural competency, interaction with various groups, and de-escalation. The bill also requires agencies to recruit social workers licensed at the clinical level to become sworn officers and to use their expertise in high-intensity situations; additionally, officers who carry firearms must also carry a non-lethal weapon and be trained in its use.

Who It Affects

• Certified and future law enforcement officers in Alabama – must complete sensitivity training, earn continuing education hours, and be trained in de-escalation and interaction with diverse populations.
• Law enforcement agencies (state and local) – must recruit licensed clinical social workers to become officers and implement related training and standards.
• Licensed clinical social workers – eligible to be recruited and sworn as law enforcement officers after completing required training and standards.
• Communities, especially minorities, people with disabilities, the mentally ill, and other groups that interact with police – expected to experience improved interactions and crisis handling due to improved training and the presence of social workers in the force.

Key Provisions

• Sensitivity training program to be included in law enforcement officer academy curriculum, developed with the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers or similar organization.
• Certified officers must complete and report continuing education hours in sensitivity training; effective for all officers beginning January 1, 2020.
• Training content includes social, ethnic, and racial bias; cultural competency and diversity; interaction with minorities, disabled, mentally ill, unlawfully present aliens, and other populations; and de-escalation and decision-making skills.
• State and local agencies must recruit social workers licensed at the clinical level to become sworn law enforcement officers, with these officers assisting in high-intensity situations.
• Uniformed officers with firearms must also carry a non-lethal weapon and be trained in its appropriate use.
• The Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission will establish compliance rules and report progress to the Legislature.

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