History

June 1971

In June 1971, the North Carolina General Assembly, finding that "the administration of criminal justice is of statewide concern, and that proper administration is important to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State and is of such nature as to require education and training of a professional nature," enacted Chapter 17A, entitled The Training and Standards Council Act. For the first time, a quasi-legislative body was given the broad regulatory authority to develop, adopt and enforce minimum employment standards and basic training standards for law enforcement and other criminal justice officers for the explicit purpose of upgrading and improving the criminal justice system in North Carolina.

January 18, 1972

The Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council held its first meeting on January 18, 1972, with the following members in attendance: Sheriff Malcolm G. McLeod; Chief W. Clarence Owens, Patrolman Robert Reives; Mr. Frank W. Bullock, Jr.; Lieutenant James Davis, Jr.; Sheriff Paul H. Gibson; Mr. John Ball; Mr. Poindexter Watts; Chief B. J. Hamrick; Sheriff Ralph L. Thomas; Chief Harry W. Alderman; and, Mr. Charles Dunn. Sheriff McLeod of Robeson County was appointed Chairman by Governor Robert Scott. Attorney General Robert Morgan, speaking at the initial meeting, called the formation of the Council "a milestone" for the criminal justice system in North Carolina. The Council elected Mr. Dunn, Director of the State Bureau of Investigation, as its Vice Chairman. Lieutenant John Faircloth of the Greensboro Police Department was appointed as the first Director of the Council staff on June 8, 1972.

January 16, 1973

At its January 16, 1973 meeting, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the initial mandatory employment standards for law enforcement officers in North Carolina. These standards became effective on March 15, 1973.

March 27, 1973

At the March 27, 1973 meeting, the Council adopted an addition to its Regulations, entitled "Certification of Criminal Justice Personnel" (Section 1005), which established the first law enforcement certification program in North Carolina.

May 16, 1973

At the May 16, 1973 meeting, the Council adopted "Minimum Standards for Training Law Enforcement Officers" (Section 1006), "Training Course Accreditation" (Section 1007) and "Report of Training Course Completion" (Section 1008), thereby establishing the first statewide, mandatory, minimum basic training course (160 hours) requirement for law enforcement officers which became effective on July 1, 1973. In addition, the Council approved the first statewide requirement for certifying law enforcement instructors when it adopted "Certification of Instructors" (Section 1009) as an addition to the Regulations Manual.
The 1973 Legislature adopted the Minimum Salary Act, providing two million dollars for subsidizing the salaries of local law enforcement officers. The responsibility for administering this fund was given to the Council "under the direction and supervision of the Justice Department."

September 12, 1973

At the September 12, 1973 meeting, the Council adopted an addition to the Regulations entitled "Certification and Awards" (Section 1010), establishing the popular Professional Certificate Program for law enforcement officers which recognizes outstanding employees by granting Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certificates.

November 28, 1973

At the November 28, 1973 meeting, the Council adopted "Entrance Standards and Basic Training Standards for Correctional Officers" which became effective on January 1, 1974. This established a 160 hour basic training course, entrance standards and a certification program for state correctional officers.

May 15, 1974

At the May 15, 1974 Council meeting, employment standards and basic training standards (160 hours) were adopted for state youth correctional officers. The certification program associated with these standards became effective on July 1, 1974.

February 12, 1975

At the February 12, 1975 meeting, the Council adopted minimum entrance standards, certification procedures and basic training requirements (160 hours) for adult probation/parole officers employed by the Department of Correction. This certification program became effective on July 1, 1975.

December 8, 1976

At the December 8, 1976 meeting, the Council adopted an expanded and greatly improved program for certifying criminal justice instructors, including the requirement that such instructor to be considered for General Instructor Certification must complete a Council-accredited Instructor's Training Program of at least 70 hours in length. This program became effective on February 15, 1977.

1977

In 1977 the General Assembly revised and extended G.S. 114-26, commonly referred to as the Salary Supplement Program, for a five-year period. The purpose of this legislation was to assist in increasing the salaries of municipal and county law enforcement officers who were being paid less than the established minimum levels.

March 29, 1978

Upon a motion made by Attorney General Rufus Edmisten, the Council adopted the 240-hour Police Basic Training Course at its March 29, 1978 meeting. An implementation date of October 1, 1978 was established to allow sufficient lead time for evaluation, refinement, etc. of the new basic course for law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

December 4, 1978

At the December 4, 1978 meeting the Council voted to temporarily suspend the rule requiring BLET students to pass a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of the course. This decision was made at the advice of legal counsel and the Employment Security Commission who both felt that the exam needed to be validated. The Council directed staff to continue administering the exam but not to release test scores to school directors or instructors. It was hoped that the exam moratorium could be lifted by July 1979.

May 31, 1979

On May 31, 1979, the General Assembly ratified Chapter 17C of the General Statutes which officially dissolved the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council and the Criminal Justice Education and Training Systems Council on the last day of December, 1979, and created the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission as of January 1, 1980. This new 26 member body maintained the adopted rules and regulations of both Councils until repealed by the Commission.

December 13, 1979

At the last official meeting of the Council on December 13, 1979, minimum employment standards and basic training (160 hours) standards were adopted for probation/parole intake officers employed by the Division of Adult Probation and Parole of the North Carolina Department of Correction. These standards and the associated certification program were implemented effective January 15, 1980. Also, at this meeting the Council lifted the moratorium established December 14, 1978 and thereby reinstated the Basic Law Enforcement Certification Examination as a validated, mandatory requirement for all graduates of any Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) course concluding after January 15, 1980.
The 1979 Session of the General Assembly (2nd Session, 1980) adopted G.S. 8-50 (commonly referred to as the "Radar Bill") which amended G.S. 17C-6 and provided for the establishment of mandatory radar and electronic speed measuring instrument training for all operators of SMI equipment. This legislation became effective on July 1, 1982 and also required that all radar and SMI instructors be properly certified as competent to teach radar and SMI courses.

June 26, 1981

At the June 26, 1981 meeting, the Commission adopted the Criminal Justice Officers' Professional Certificate Program which established, effective August 15, 1981, a voluntary awards program to recognize outstanding correctional and youth correctional employees by granting Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certificates.

April 1, 1983

Effective April 1, 1983, the Commission adopted certification requirements and minimum standards for Parole Case Analysts.
The 1983 Session of the General Assembly adopted Chapter 17E, thus creating the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. As a result, certification and training requirements for deputy sheriffs are regulated by the Sheriffs' Commission and the Justice Officers' Standards Division effective September 1, 1983.

April 1, 1984

Effective April 1, 1984, the Commission adopted certification requirements and minimum standards for Probation/Parole-Surveillance Officers.

October 1, 1984

Effective October 1, 1984, the Commission adopted a new and expanded minimum basic training course for law enforcement officers consisting of 369 hours of recruit level training. This Basic Law Enforcement Training Course is based for the first time on a statewide job task analysis. In addition, a new Basic Law Enforcement Certification Examination was approved by the Commission for administration to all recruits at the conclusion of basic training.

January 1, 1985

Effective January 1, 1985, the Commission adopted a voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs." The purpose of this program is to: (1) officially recognize those academic institutions that have established minimum education requirements as set forth by the Commission; (2) improve the quality of criminal justice education in North Carolina; and, (3) advance standards approved by the Commission for the certification program.
Effective January 1, 1985, the Commission adopted a new criminal justice instructor training course and a new Criminal Justice Instructor Certification Program. Under these new rule requirements, instructors are required to complete specialized training and are restricted in the specific topics they can instruct, depending on training received.

July 1, 1985

Effective July 1, 1985, the Commission adopted "Pre-Service Training" requirements for all law enforcement officers. Each officer desiring probationary certification must first complete a minimum of 113 hours of recruit level training which consists of the "high liability" topics in the BLET course of 369 hours. During the first 12 months of employment, the officer must successfully complete the remaining 256 hours of "Probationary Training."

May 1, 1986

Effective May 1, 1986, the Commission adopted "Specialized Instructor Training" for Firearms and Driving. This adoption established the courses required of instructors to obtain certification to teach these specific topics in the BLET course.

June 1, 1986

Effective June 1, 1986, the Commission adopted "Minimum Standards for Local Confinement Personnel." This new program established a statewide program for the employment, certification and training of administrators, supervisors and officers of district, county and local confinement facilities.

November 21, 1986

At the November 21, 1986 meeting, the Commission adopted an officer certification program for "Probation/Parole Intensive Officers." This program requires that the intensive officer must complete the minimum 160 hour Probation/Parole Officers basic training course and also complete an advanced Probation/Parole training program consisting of 168 hours in addition to the 82 hour surveillance training course.

August 28, 1987

At the August 28, 1987 meeting, the Commission approved rule changes to "Minimum Standards for Law Enforcement Officers" prohibiting employment of any applicant who has committed or been convicted of a "Class B Misdemeanor" within the five year period prior to the date of application for employment. Thus, any commission or conviction of a crime which authorizes imprisonment for a term of more than six months but not more than two years could preclude employment in a certified law enforcement position. In addition, rules were adopted which change the code reference of "youth correctional officer" to "state youth services officer." Rule amendments were adopted to reduce from 24 months to 12 months the period within which a person having completed a Commission-accredited instructor training course must apply for instructor certification.

January 1988

In January 1988, the Executive Committee conducted six public information meetings across the State to gather input on four major proposed requirements for criminal justice officers. They were: (1) mandatory drug screening for all criminal justice applicants; (2) mandatory in-service firearms training and re-qualification for law enforcement officers; (3) expansion of Basic Law Enforcement Training to include physical activities training; and, (4) completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training in its entirety prior to employment.

May 20, 1988

At the May 20, 1988 meeting, the Commission voted to award certification, under the voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs," to Wilkes Community College and to Western Carolina University. These were the first certifications granted under the voluntary program designed to promote improvement in the State's criminal justice education programs.

August 19, 1988

At the August 19, 1988 meeting, the Commission approved a research proposal submitted by Dr. Thomas Griggs of the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention to study the impact of physical fitness training in BLET. This study would allow "control group" trainees to be exempted from receiving physical fitness training during BLET and would apply to deliveries of BLET through December 1990.

November 18, 1988

At the November 18, 1988 meeting, the Commission approved the granting of certification to Pembroke State University under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs." Pembroke State University became the second four-year institution to receive certification from the Commission.
Four major rule changes were approved at the November 18, 1988 meeting, with an effective date of July 1, 1989. They were: (1) adoption of Drug Urinalysis Testing for all criminal justice officers; (2) elimination of the Pre-Service Training option for taking BLET such that the course must be completed in its entirety prior to employment; (3) adding a Physical Fitness Training component of 43 hours to BLET; and, (4) requiring annual in-service firearms training and re-qualification for all certified law enforcement officers.

May 19, 1989

On May 19, 1989, the Commission adopted a standard pin that would accompany the awarding of the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. The pin was approved in two sizes, one for the police uniform and a lapel pin for non-uniformed officers.
As a result of implementation problems reported by staff to the Commission, the Commission voted unanimously on May 19, 1989 to delay the implementation of the Drug Urinalysis Testing program for one year.

November 3, 1989

At the November 3, 1989 meeting, the Commission adopted several rule amendments. Of significant importance were the following: (1) extension of the maximum time period within which the medical examination must be completed from 120 days to one year prior to employment; (2) adoption of the requirement that all specialized instructors must possess a current valid CPR certification; (3) establishment of basic training and officer certification requirements for employees of Juvenile Detention Homes under the existing Local Confinement Personnel Certification Program; and, (4) clarification of the "failure to qualify" rule within the firearms in-service training program which requires an officer to meet any higher standard established by the local employing agency.

February 23, 1990

At the February 23, 1990 meeting, the Commission adopted a rule amendment which established the effective date for mandatory drug testing for all criminal justice officers to begin on July 1, 1990. A comprehensive implementation guide for drug screening was subsequently distributed to all criminal justice agencies.
The fourth recipient of certification through the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs" was approved on February 23, 1990. The Commission voted unanimously to approve Haywood Community College as the second community college to be granted certification.

May 18, 1990

At the May 18, 1990 meeting, the Commission approved certification for East Carolina University through the program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs." East Carolina became the fifth recipient and the third four-year school to receive certification for its criminal justice program.

August 24, 1990

At the August 24, 1990 meeting, the Commission unanimously adopted a motion to suspend its 1988 exemption of selected schools from having to deliver the required 43 hours of physical fitness training within BLET. The study conducted by the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention was scheduled to conclude on December 31, 1990, and all deliveries of BLET started after that date will be required to include the physical fitness block of instruction within the curriculum.

November 2, 1990

At the November 2, 1990 meeting, the Commission removed 24 hours from the BLET course in the area of "Emergency Medical Services Training" and replaced it with 40 hours of "First Responder Training"; and, increased "Electrical and Hazardous Materials Emergencies Training" by six hours, making the minimum number of BLET hours 432.
Also, the Commission granted Coastal Carolina Community College certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs," making Coastal Carolina Community College the third community college to be granted certification.
At the same meeting it was decided that due to budget reductions the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) Division was no longer able to maintain its own Basic School. Thus, a request was made by Captain John Glenn that 9B .0217 and other pertinent sections of the Administrative Code be repealed so that ALE agents would be allowed to participate in BLET. After completing BLET, ALE officers would be required to attend 32 hours of "ABC Regulations of North Carolina" and 40 hours of "ABC Laws of North Carolina" in a classroom setting. This request was approved unanimously.
A proposal was adopted to make the Pre-employment Psychological Screening Program mandatory. It was to begin on January 1, 1992.

May 10, 1991

At the May 10, 1991 meeting, the Commission approved issuance of a radar training manual to all instructors and trainees beginning on January 1, 1992.
The "Physical Fitness" course became a mandatory pass/fail requirement in BLET for the first time. The Commission hoped this requirement would produce a more physically fit law enforcement officer.
On May 10, 1991, Forsyth Technical Community College was granted certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs," making Forsyth Technical Community College the fourth community college to be granted certification.

August 22, 1991

Due to implementation problems, the Commission voted unanimously on August 22, 1991 to change the effective date of the Pre-Employment Psychological Screening Program from January 1, 1992 to July 1, 1993.

November 13, 1992

Mr. Phill Lyons, on behalf of the Planning Committee, stated to the Commission at the November 13, 1992 meeting that further revisions needed to be made to the Pre-Employment Psychological Screening Program. He asked the Commission if this issue could go to public hearing as soon as possible and requested that the implementation date be pushed back to 1994. The Commission voted unanimously in favor of Mr. Lyons' request.

February 26, 1993

At the February 26, 1993 meeting, Central Piedmont Community College was granted certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs," making Central Piedmont Community College the fifth community college to receive certification.

May 21, 1993

At the May 21, 1993 meeting, the Executive Committee recommended that the implementation date for the Pre-Employment Psychological Screening Program be delayed until January 1, 1995. A motion to this effect was made by Phil Lyons. The Commission voted unanimously in favor of Mr. Lyons' request.
Cape Fear Community College became the sixth community college to receive certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs," at the May 21, 1993 Commission meeting.

May 19, 1994

At the May 19, 1994 Commission meeting, Earl Hardy from the North Carolina Justice Academy reported that the Special Crime Session of the General Assembly amended General Statute 8-50.2 to make speed measuring by laser speed enforcement or speed enforcement devices admissible in criminal or civil proceedings.

August 19, 1994

At the August 19, 1994 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the following proposed rule amendments under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code:

1. 9B .0101(6) Minimum Standards for Criminal Justice Officers: Adds new psychological screening examination requirement as a minimum employment standard for all criminal justice officers.

2. 9B .0205(b-d) Basic Training - Law Enforcement Officers: Amends BLET course by adding a new 4 hour topical area entitled "Ethics of Professional Law Enforcement" and by reducing the hourly content of the "Dealing with Victims and the Public" topical area from 8 to 4 hours.

3. 9B .0209(c-d) Criminal Justice Instructor Training: Revises the basic instructor training course by increasing the hourly content of the "Interpersonal Communication in Instruction" topical area from 4 to 6 hours and by decreasing the hourly content of the "Principles of Instruction: Audio-Visual Aids" topical area from 8 to 6 hours.

4. 9B .0231 Basic Training - Probation/Parole Intensive Officer: Adds, for the first time, the Advanced Training Program curriculum totaling 154 hours which must be completed by each Probation/Parole Intensive Officer.

5. 9B .0401(b-c) Time Requirement for Completion of Training: Deletes references to Alcohol Law Enforcement Agents and their obsolete basic training course which was inadvertently overlooked when the rule was previously amended on November 2, 1990.

6. 9B .0410(b) Criminal Justice Instructor Training Course: Rewrites the rule so as to allow a trainee in the basic instructor training course to be able to sit for the Commission's comprehensive written exam at the conclusion of the cognitive portion of the course.

7. 9C .0307(9) Agency Retention of Records of Certification: Adds requirement that the certified criminal justice officer's personnel file must contain a written summary of his/her psychological examination results.

November 18, 1994

At the November 18, 1994 meeting, Commissioner Phil Lyons reported that the Joint BLET Task Analysis Committee had completed the task analysis survey. The Commission approved a motion to send an official task list composed of 226 essential patrol officer tasks and 282 academy tasks to the BLET Revision Committee. The BLET Revision Committee was charged with the responsibility to redesign the Basic Law Enforcement Training curriculum.
Southeastern Community College became the seventh community college to receive certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs."
The Commission adopted a permanent rule amendment under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code: 9A .0103 Definitions: The definition of Class A and Class B misdemeanors was changed to reflect new legislation related to the Structured Sentencing Act.

January 1, 1995

The Pre-Employment Psychological Screening Program was successfully implemented on January 1, 1995.

June 2, 1995

At the June 2, 1995 meeting, the Commission granted approval for a six-month pilot project to centralize radar testing.
The Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the following proposed rule amendments under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, to be effective August 1, 1995:

1. 9A .0204(b)(14) Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of Certification: Amends rule to authorize the Commission to decertify an officer who has certification suspended, revoked or denied by Sheriffs' Commission.

2. 9B .0113: Minimum Standards Probation/Parole Officers - Surveillance: Reduces the minimum educational standard for Surveillance Officers from an associate degree to high school graduation or GED.
" The Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the following proposed rule amendments under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, to be effective January 1, 1996:

1. 9B .0201(b)(d-f) Administration of Criminal Justice Schools: Rewrites law enforcement school regulations by establishing clearly defined minimum specifications which must be adhered to by the executive officer of the institution as well as the school director in order to obtain school accreditation to run training courses.

2. 9B .0202(a)(2) Responsibilities of the School Director: Amends rule to require that all instructors utilized to teach in a high liability topic area of BLET must hold specialized instructor certification in that topic area, and requires at least one specific certified instructor per six trainees when performing practical exercises.

3. 9C .0401(a-g) Accreditation of Criminal Justice Schools: Completely rewrites the rule to establish a new School Accreditation Program, effective January 1, 1996, which includes the establishment of an Accreditation Committee to oversee the granting of accreditation and reaccreditation to criminal justice schools and agencies for a five year term. The Accreditation Committee will be a standing subcommittee of the Education and Training Committee which will present applicants for accreditation to the Commission for final approval.
The Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the following proposed rule amendments under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, to be effective July 1, 1997:

9B .0205(b) Basic Training - Law Enforcement Officers: Revises BLET course by increasing the Law Enforcement Driver Training topic area from 16 hours to 44 hours, thereby increasing the total BLET hours from 432 to 460.

July 23, 1995

The Executive Committee met in an emergency session to review House Bill 90 - Carrying Concealed Handgun (CCH). This bill was enacted into law with an effective date of December 1, 1995. The Commission was given responsibility for establishing general guidelines for the firearms safety and training courses and for the qualification of firearms instructors.

August 25, 1995

At the August 25, 1995 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to approve temporary and permanent rule-making authority to comply with House Bill 90 - Carrying Concealed Handgun.
Concerning House Bill 90, it was decided that:

1. The Commission would not recognize Citizen Firearms Safety Training in satisfying the recertification requirements for specific firearms instructors certified by the Commission;

2. The minimum qualifications for National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms instructors (to include police, pistol, or personal protection instructors) and Commission firearms instructors will include completion of supplemental training on legal issues;

3. The North Carolina Justice Academy will draft a preliminary model training course and develop a legal update course for criminal justice and NRA instructors.

November 17, 1995

At the November 17, 1995 meeting, the Commission adopted the temporary rules pertaining to the Carrying Concealed Handgun Program.

February 23, 1996

At the February 23, 1996 meeting, the Commission approved a motion to adopt use of the new Medical Screening Guidelines Manual, to be provided to physicians who conduct pre-employment physicals, and the newly designed F-1 and F-2 forms.
North Carolina Central University became the fourth four-year school to receive certification under the Commission's voluntary program for "Certification of Postsecondary Criminal Justice Education Programs."

May 22, 1998

At the May 22, 1998 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to request that the Attorney General's Office seek modification of Chapters 17C, 126, 160A, and 153A of the General Statutes to clearly authorize state and local government agencies whose officers are certified by the Criminal Justice Commission to submit personnel files, to include internal investigations, to the Division staff for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Commission's rules.

August 21, 1998

At the August 21, 1998 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the "Fitness for Duty" recommendation presented by the Planning Committee. The recommendations were developed following a survey of 532 criminal justice agencies across the state. The recommendations are as follows:

1. Physical Fitness - Routine wellness screenings and physical examinations for criminal justice officers; agencies should consider scheduling which would permit on-duty training time for the topics of wellness and fitness, including on-duty time for physical exercise.

2. Psychological Fitness - Adopt training or programs such as stress management, post-trauma counseling, peer counseling, employee assistance plans, and the promotion of chaplaincy resources; agencies are encouraged to administer periodic psychological evaluations for all criminal justice officers.

3. Ethical Fitness - Adopt training programs to educate and promote high ethical standards. Training should include field training procedures, cultural awareness, specific operational decision making issues, and possibly financial planning and retirement transition courses.

4. Attitudinal Fitness - Promote a productive work environment by assessing and addressing issues that affect positive work attitudes among criminal justice officers in performance of their duties. Executive and management training should be promoted to assess and deal with employee performance issues.

The Commission unanimously approved a motion to adopt the following proposed rule amendments under Title 12, Chapter 9 of the North Carolina Administrative Code:

1. 9A .0103(20): Definitions - Establishes the definition of LIDAR as a Speed Measuring Instrument which is regulated by the Commission.

2. 9B .0101(8): Minimum Standards for Criminal Justice Officers - Requires criminal justice officers to report arrests or criminal charges to the Standards Division within 30 days of the date the case is disposed of in court.

3. 9B .0210, .0211, .0212, .0213, .0214, .0215, .0218, .0219, .0220, .0221, and .0222. Rules pertaining to course content for all Radar courses - Removes all course topic areas, performance objectives and hours from all Radar courses, as this information will be included in the trainee manual.

4. 9B .0301 Certification of Instructors - Requires all Commission-certified instructors to remain current in their specialty areas and to successfully participate in any instructor updates as required by the Commission. Also establishes lack of good moral character as grounds for denial or suspension of instructor certification.

5. 9B .0310: Terms and Conditions: SMI Instructors - Increases the term of certification for Speed Measurement Instrument (SMI) instructors from two to three years.
Required use of the Mandated Background Investigation Form (F-8) went into effect (12 NCAC 9B .0102).

September 1998

During the 1998 General Assembly session, Senate Bill 1260 was passed. Sections 17 and 18 included mandates for law enforcement officer training and required that the Department of Justice provide the training. The first mandate required that all officers receive training on the newly revised Juvenile Code by July 1, 1999, and the second mandate required that all officers receive annual minority sensitivity training.

February 19, 1999

At the February 19, 1999 meeting, the Commission unanimously adopted a motion to approve the proposed BLET 2000 rules.

April 26-28, 1999

The Criminal Justice Leadership Conference was held in Research Triangle Park. The Governor's Crime Commission provided $15,000 to fund the summit. Issues discussed at the summit included: training; licensure vs. certification of criminal justice officers; drug abuse; alcohol and domestic violence; funding; accreditation of agencies; juvenile justice; and corrections.

March 10, 2000

At the March 10, 2000 meeting, the Commission adopted a motion to approve Pilot Course authority for presentation of the Specialized Subject Control/Arrest Techniques course at the North Carolina Justice Academy.

May 26, 2000

At the May 26, 2000 meeting, the Commission approved a motion to grant Pilot Course authority to the North Carolina Justice Academy to increase the Specialized Physical Fitness Training Course from 47 to 60 hours.
The General Assembly directed the Commission to establish new rules for the Department of Correction regulating the certification and decertification of DOC employees. These rules are to be incorporated into a separate section of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

June 27, 2000

On June 27, 2000, the Commission held a special meeting to discuss the proposed temporary rules package for the NC Department of Correction. This rules package contains Commission rules created specifically for the NC Department of Correction.
The Commission approved a motion to create a separate subchapter of 12 NCAC 9G which will contain all Commission rules concerning the NC Department of Correction.
The Commission approved a motion to amend the rules concerning the Mandated Background Investigation to include the following: (1) verification of age; (2) verification of education; and (3) a criminal history check.

February 23, 2001

At the February 23, 2001 meeting, the Commission approved a proposal made by the Joint Commissions for Criminal Justice. The proposal included: a legislative agenda; proposal for a Governor's Task Force on the Future of Criminal Justice; and proposal for an Advisory Group to the Governor's Task Force on the Future of Criminal Justice. The Joint Commissions for Criminal Justice is composed of the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, the NC Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission, and the Governor's Crime Commission.
Recommended that the proposed Task Force conduct a comprehensive review of the Criminal Justice System's human resources and funding, and recommend appropriate solutions; identify and implement strategies to improve recruitment and retention of quality criminal justice personnel; identify and implement strategies for promoting professional development of criminal justice professionals; undertake an immediate assessment of the impact of existing criminal justice mandates; and generate short term and long term resources for the continued improvement of the criminal justice system.
Motion unanimously approved that the Commission objected to the language contained in SB 137 that would require the Commission to certify private correctional employees or certify that such employees had completed a training program that met or exceeded standards of the Criminal Justice Commission; and that the Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Department of Correction, contact the United States Department of Justice and request that federal corrections authorities address the issue of arrest authority and use of force by private corrections employees in a federal facility by providing the necessary authority and regulation of these private employees to facilitate the operation of a private prison under federal control without requiring involvement of local and state agencies who otherwise have no authority over the facility and operations; and that the Commission ask the North Carolina Senate to delay action on SB 137 pending the outcome of discussions with the United States Department of Justice.

August 17, 2001

At the August 17, 2001 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved the NC Department of Correction rules (Subchapter 9G). These rules establish a subchapter of the North Carolina Administrative Code specifically for the NC Department of Correction.

November 15, 2001

At the November 15, 2001 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a Resolution in Memoriam for the officers of the New York City Police Department who died in the line of duty as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
The Commission unanimously approved a Resolution in Memoriam for the firemen of the New York City Fire Department who died in the line of duty as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

February 15, 2002

At the February 15, 2002 meeting, it was reported that Senate Bill 68 had been ratified by the General Assembly. This bill requires the addition of seven new members, five of whom will represent the NC Department of Correction, to the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. It is expected that the new Commission members will be appointed by the August 2002 meeting.

May 16, 2002

At the May 16, 2002 meeting, the Commission unanimously adopted a motion to retain the current certification process for criminal justice officers. The Commission had studied the option of licensure for officers, but decided that the current process works well for North Carolina. It was recommended, as part of this motion, that the Commission can improve the quality of criminal justice officers by: (1) increasing the entry-level requirement for education; (2) requiring in-service training; and (3) increasing pay.

August 16, 2002

At the August 16, 2002 meeting, the Commission unanimously re-elected John Glenn to serve as the Chairman of the Commission.
The Commission unanimously approved a proposal to grant legal counsel the authority to settle contested certification cases on a case-by-case basis.
It was announced that the 2003 calendar for regional testing of Basic Law Enforcement Training courses has been completed. The Commission granted staff the authority to disseminate the calendar to all BLET delivery sites. This represents a departure from the traditional method of holding the exam at every course site. Having several classes test at a central location is more cost-effective for staff, and will also allow the Field Services Coordinators more time to concentrate on department audits.
The Standards Committee has been reviewing a reading comprehension test cut-off level for entrance into Basic Law Enforcement Training, as there has been concern that some students admitted into BLET are not able to read well enough to pass the course. As a result, the Commission approved a pilot program which will begin in the fall of 2002. The pilot program will initially involve eight schools and then increase to sixteen schools in the fall of 2003. It will involve testing students at the selected schools with one of three reading comprehension tests. Students' progress in the BLET course will be evaluated and compared to their reading scores. The Standards Committee plans to have the data completed by the spring of 2004 so that a recommendation can be made for an appropriate reading comprehension cut-off score for BLET participation.

November 15, 2002

At the November 15, 2002 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a motion to move forward with rule-making for a new requirement of 24 hours of annual in-service training for all law enforcement officers. Individual police departments will be responsible for provision of the training. The requirements are as follows:

o Firearms Training and Qualification (8 hours)
o Legal Update (4 hours)
o Hazardous Materials (2 hours)
o Bloodborne Pathogens (2 hours)
o Juvenile Minority Sensitivity (2 hours)
o Ethical Awareness (2 hours)
o Department Topic of Choice (4 hours)
The Executive Committee appointed a subcommittee to study the feasibility of regulating employment and training standards for polygraph operators who are also sworn officers. Non-sworn polygraphers are regulated by the Private Protective Services Board, but sworn polygraphers are not regulated by any commission or board.
Commissioner Caldwell reported that legislation was passed in the 2002 Senate session that clearly authorized the Commission to establish and enforce rules concerning School Directors. The wording of the statute was amended to remove any ambiguities.
The Executive Committee agreed to review a proposal by the Standards Committee that responsibility for rules review be moved from the Standards Committee to the Planning Committee. The Standards Committee's certification hearings workload has steadily increased over the past few years, and it has become difficult for the committee to conduct all of its business in one day.

Revised March 2003