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State Lawmakers To Introduce Reserve Police Training Requirements Bill

okhouse.gov

A group of Oklahoma legislators say they plan to introduce a bill that will require more law enforcement training for volunteer officers following the shooting death of an unarmed man in Tulsa by a 73-year-old reserve deputy.

Republican state Rep. Mike Christian of Oklahoma City said Monday he's working with the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training and a local sheriff to determine how much additional training to require. A former Highway Patrolman, Christian says he's concerned about the lack of continuing education requirements, especially for former police officers.

Tulsa County Reserve Deputy Robert Bates has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Eric Harris earlier this month.

Under current state law, former law enforcement officers are only required to qualify each year with a firearm.

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