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PEACE OFFICER SITUATIONAL TRAINING

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2016 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Francis D. Gibson

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Senate Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

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7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill modifies the Utah Code regarding the functions of the state attorney general.
10     Highlighted Provisions:
11          This bill:
12          ▸     authorizes the attorney general to establish a training center and provide resources
13     regarding law enforcement use of force;
14          ▸     provides that the attorney general will make available statewide training and
15     informational materials regarding the use of force by law enforcement officers; and
16          ▸     authorizes the attorney general to employ the necessary staff for the training center.
17     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
18          None
19     Other Special Clauses:
20          None
21     Utah Code Sections Affected:
22     ENACTS:
23          67-5-34, Utah Code Annotated 1953
24     

25     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
26          Section 1. Section 67-5-34 is enacted to read:
27          67-5-34. Lawful use of force -- Training program.
28          (1) (a) The attorney general is authorized to administer and coordinate the provision of
29     legal and practical training for law enforcement officers in the state regarding the constitutional

30     and lawful use of force, including:
31          (i) best practices in reducing law enforcement officer use of force; and
32          (ii) legal foundations and limitations on law enforcement officer authority under
33     Section 76-2-404, the Utah Constitution or laws of the state, and the United States Constitution
34     or laws of the United States.
35          (b) Under Subsection (1)(a), the attorney general may create a training center and
36     provide:
37          (i) technology integrating legal training on the use of force by law enforcement
38     officers;
39          (ii) best practices regarding law enforcement officer response to threatening situations;
40     and
41          (iii) law enforcement officer tactical training, including:
42          (A) virtual reality simulator training;
43          (B) investigation of a use of force incident; and
44          (C) legal documentation of use of force.
45          (2) (a) The attorney general shall make available statewide legal and practical training
46     for law enforcement officers in the state and informational materials regarding law enforcement
47     officer use of force and related subjects.
48          (b) The training and informational materials shall include programs and information
49     specifically designed to address:
50          (i) pre-escalation recognition of potential resistance and law enforcement officer
51     response options that do not involve force;
52          (ii) decision-making skills regarding use of force;
53          (iii) management of law enforcement officer stress during threatening situations;
54          (iv) tactical disengagement;
55          (v) sanctity and preservation of life;
56          (vi) investigating and critiquing a law enforcement officer incident of use of force; and
57          (vii) the legal foundations and limitations on law enforcement officer authority under

58     the Utah Constitution or laws of the state and the United States Constitution or laws of the
59     United States.
60          (c) The attorney general shall work with state and local agencies to ensure the most
61     effective use of resources in providing training for law enforcement officers throughout the
62     state.
63          (3) The attorney general may employ staff necessary to implement the training center
64     created under this section.