Bill > HB3897

This bill amends the existing law regarding the powers, duties, and qualifications of the chief of police in municipalities. The key provisions are: 1. The chief of police shall be the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality, enforcing municipal ordinances and having other powers, duties, and functions as prescribed by law or ordinance. 2. The chief must be a certified peace officer in Oklahoma or a state with reciprocity, and must have served as a certified peace officer in a full-time capacity for at least 5 years prior to taking office. 3. All newly elected or appointed chiefs must complete a Chief's administrative school developed by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and approved by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). Failure to do so will preclude them from obtaining CLEET certification or result in the revocation of their existing certification. 4. The definition of "peace officer" is provided, clarifying that it refers to a full-time, paid officer whose duties include preserving the public peace, protecting life and property, preventing crime, serving warrants, and enforcing state, federal, or local ordinances. 5. The bill has an effective date of November 1, 2024.