SECTION 390:10-1-2. Minimum certification and employment standards

(a)   For the purposes of the rules of this Chapter and 70 O.S. Section 3311, a peace officer is defined as a duly appointed or elected law enforcement officer who is paid for working more than twenty-five (25) hours per week and whose duties minimally include all of the following on a full-time basis:

(l)   Preserving the public peace;

(2)   Preventing crime;

(3)   Protecting life and property;

(4)   Enforcing laws and ordinances of this state and its political subdivisions; and

(5)   Executing arrest warrants and search warrants.

(b)   All persons hired or elected as peace officers shall meet the employment and training standards set forth in this chapter as set forth in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Calculation of said employment shall be based on cumulative periods of employment.

(c)   The Council, or its designee, may grant an extension of the time frame specified in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, upon written application by the employing agency, and when good cause is shown, as determined by the Council or its designee. Peace officers granted an extension of time to attend and complete a training academy are not permitted to work in the capacity of a peace officer during the extension period.

(d)   In the event any officer so appointed or elected fails to comply with the employment and training standards and an extension of time is not granted, the employing agency shall comply with 70 O.S., Section 3311 (E) (4) at the first opportunity made available by CLEET. Individuals who fail to comply with employment and/or training standards may reapply for certification two (2) years from the date of final ineligibility. Individuals who reapply will be required to start the academy over again without regard to previous classwork completed.

(e)   Students are expected to complete the first basic academy in which they are enrolled. In the event a student cannot complete their initial academy, the student can complete the course work in another academy if such work can be completed in the next subsequent academy and within a one year period from the date of hiring or appointment as a peace officer. If reentry exceeds one year, students will be required to start the academy over again without regard to previous classwork completed unless reentry was delayed by a documented medical condition or military orders prohibiting participation. Exceptions may be made by the Director, or Director designee, for students who have been granted extensions of time as authorized by 70 O.S., Section 3311 (E) (4).

(f)   The Council may provide options for remedial or make-up training for students attending

approved academy or CLEET basic academy programs pursuant to academy rules.

[Source: Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1192, eff 5-27-99; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 2547, eff 6-26-00; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 1923, eff 7-1-06; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2544, eff 7-16-07; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 2495, eff 7-15-08; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1731, eff 6-25-11; Amended at 30 Ok Reg 1830, eff 7-13-13; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 1785, eff 9-14-18]