Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Increase Police Officer Training

A state senator in Michigan has introduced a bill to "strengthen community-police relations and reduce excessive use of force by police officers."

According to NBC News , Senate Bill 945—introduced by Senator Jeff Irwin—would require all law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques, and mental health screening, according to the news release.

The additional training would be added to the certification requirements from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.

State Senator Irwin said in a press release, "Unlike most other professionals, police officers have just seconds to make life-altering decisions—often under high-stress conditions—so it's essential we give them all of the necessary tools to keep residents safe."

Irwin added, "Officers are drilled on tactics, firearms, and forensics. They practice shooting and driving. What is missing from our fundamental police training standards are how officers can identify mental illness or their own implicit biases, and use that knowledge to de-escalate a dangerous situation."