SB92 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

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

Summary

SB 92 would require Alabama law enforcement officers to complete sensitivity training and would require agencies to recruit licensed clinical social workers to serve as officers.

What This Bill Does

It adds a sensitivity training program to the police academy curriculum and requires officers to complete ongoing sensitivity training. Starting January 1, 2021, all certified officers must finish the program and meet continuing education requirements focused on bias, cultural competency, and de-escalation. It also requires agencies to recruit social workers licensed at the clinical level to become sworn officers to help with crisis intervention and other duties, and it mandates that uniformed officers with firearms carry a non-lethal weapon and be trained in its use.

Who It Affects

• Certified law enforcement officers in Alabama, who must complete sensitivity training and report continuing education hours.
• Law enforcement agencies and licensed clinical social workers, who are to be recruited to become sworn officers and assist in crisis intervention and related areas.

Key Provisions

• Requires the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission to add a sensitivity training program to the officer academy curriculum, 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 in sensitivity training to the commission.
• Beginning January 1, 2021, all certified officers must complete the sensitivity training program, covering bias, cultural competency, interactions with diverse groups, and de-escalation tactics.
• The commission must establish rules to ensure compliance and report compliance to the Legislature in each regular session.
• Law enforcement agencies must recruit licensed clinical social workers to become sworn officers to assist in crisis intervention, diversity, ethics, and related areas.
• Uniformed officers who carry firearms must also carry a non-lethal weapon and be trained in its use.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage or approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement