Bill giving former military police CLEET credit clears Senate

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill giving former military police credit for their training and service toward required training with the Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certification required to become a member of law enforcement in Oklahoma. Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is the principal author of Senate Bill 171.

“Normally, an individual going through the required CLEET certification to work in law enforcement would have to complete 560 hours of training. My legislation would require former military police to complete only 360 hours credit for the training and experience they’ve already acquired through the military, helping these veterans get back in the work force sooner and giving local police and sheriff’s departments the ability to hire these well-qualified men and women.”

Oklahoma already has a law allowing Oklahoma colleges, universities and technology centers to provide academic credit to military veterans for their military education, training and experience pertaining to a relevant area of study.

“I think this is just common sense legislation that will help our veterans and our local communities by enabling veterans to receive credit for the training and expertise in law enforcement they received while serving our country,” Standridge said.

SB 171 will now be sent to the House for further consideration.