JEFFERSON CITY -- The Department of Public Safety today announced the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission will hold six public meetings across the state, with the closest to Stoddard County to take place in Sikeston, to gather suggestions for changes the law enforcement officer training requirements. The first meeting will be held at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.
The POST Commission met in Jefferson City on Friday, Aug. 21, and voted to hold the public meetings in response to Gov. Jay Nixon's Aug. 6 directive to the commission and the Department of Public Safety to update and enhance law enforcement training standards in Missouri. The governor's directive included holding public meetings around the state to gather input from Missourians, including law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups and other stakeholders.
The Governor has directed the POST Commission and DPS to put forward by Dec. 1 new rules to improve access to effective and ongoing training in the key areas of tactical training, fair and impartial policing, and the health and well-being of officers.
Additional public hearings will be held in Jefferson City, Sept. 17; St. Louis, Sept. 23; Sikeston, Sept. 29; Kansas City, Oct. 7; and Kirksville, Oct. 14. Meeting locations and times will be released as arrangements are finalized.
Written comments from the public may be emailed to POST@dps.mo.gov through Oct. 15.
Established by state statute, the POST Commission is responsible for the curriculum for law enforcement officer basic training and continuing education in Missouri.