SB 501 - Currently, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission consists of the following members: three police chiefs, three sheriffs, one representative of a state law enforcement agency, two peace officers each with a rank not exceeding sergeant, one chief executive officer of a certified training academy, and one member of the public. These 11 members are appointed to the Commission by the Governor from a list of qualified candidates provided by the Director of the Department of Public Safety. This act provides the Governor shall appoint three sitting police chiefs from a list of qualified candidates provided by the Missouri Police Chief's Association board of directors. Additionally, the Governor shall appoint three sitting sheriffs from a list of qualified candidates provided by the Missouri Sheriffs' Association board of directors. Also under this act, one of the peace officers with a rank not exceeding sergeant shall be employed by a municipality, and the other peace officer with a rank not exceeding sergeant shall be employed by a county.
Currently, the Director of the Department of Public Safety appoints a member of the Commission to be the chairperson. Under this act, the Commission appoints a member to be the chairperson by a majority vote of the members. Finally, the Commission shall provide advice and to the Director of the Department of Public Safety.
CHARLEY MERRIWEATHER