A bill

TO AMEND THE south carolina CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-57 SO AS TO PROVIDE A CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ANNUALLY MUST COMPLETE CONTINUING LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION CREDITS IN DIVERSITY TRAINING.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Chapter 23, Title 23 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 23-23-57.   All certified law enforcement officers in this State are required to complete Continuing Law Enforcement Education Credits (CLEEC) in diversity training each year. The number of annual CLEEC hours in diversity training shall be determined by the council. The training must be provided or approved by the academy and must include, but is not limited to, a course of instruction aimed at increasing an officer's cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills in order to:

   (1) benefit the officer's law enforcement agency by protecting against civil rights violations; and

   (2) increase the officer's awareness and understanding of the perspectives and values of the state's various ethnic groups and individuals.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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