WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science – and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)  – a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary – today introduced legislation that would allow Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) offices to have access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to improve vetting and hiring of local law enforcement officers.

“Protecting communities in Kansas and across the nation starts with hiring quality law enforcement officers,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would help states and local law enforcement agencies have greater access to criminal data to improve the vetting and hiring of potential law enforcement officers, who are tasked with keeping our communities safe and secure.”

“Maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect is crucial to upholding public safety,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our legislation ensures that state POST organizations have all the information they need to fully evaluate new recruits’ suitability so disqualified individuals and known bad actors don’t slip through the cracks.”

“The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (KSCPOST) applauds Kansas Senator Jerry Moran his exemplary leadership on crucial legislation extending criminal justice information system access to the KSCPOST and POST agencies in all states,” said Doug Schroeder, Executive Director of KSCPOST. “This important step will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our law enforcement community, helping to ensure that our officers are well-equipped to serve and protect the people of Kansas. His dedication to supporting public safety is truly appreciated."

“The International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) commends Senators Moran and Whitehouse for their outstanding leadership on this critical legislation,” said Mike Becar, Executive Director of IADLEST. “Directors of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies play a vital role in preventing individuals with disqualifying criminal histories from securing or maintaining employment or volunteer positions in law enforcement across the United States. This legislation will provide POST agencies with essential access to information needed to conduct thorough and effective vetting of prospective law enforcement officers, ensuring public safety and trust.”

POST offices are responsible for setting the training and hiring standards for state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. POST offices do not have access to the NCIC, limiting the scope of available information on prospective law enforcement officers.

Text of the legislation can be found here.

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