The unit will have to close if it doesn't receive its third-quarter payment from the state, which doesn't look likely, Brankin said. He is still waiting on July's first-quarter payment and October's second-quarter payment. He predicts the closure will be temporary, lasting only until the budget stalemate ends. The training unit has 15 full-time unit employees, including Brankin.
"This is a time when the training of police officers may be more important than ever," he said. "The importance of training and the expectations for law enforcement is something of a concern right now, definitely."
About 100 classes were canceled for September and October due to lack of funding. These classes, some of which specialize in dealing with the mentally ill, proper use of force, and sex crime investigations, are crucial for in-service police officers during a time of heightened tension between police and the communities they serve, Brankin said.
Last year, a total of 151 officers attended 106 different training classes offered through the training unit. Thomas said he can seek outside agencies to provide similar training, but not without paying a hefty sum.
