Peace officer training: behavioral health.

Assembly Member Garcia's proposal to modify California's peace officer behavioral health training would authorize the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to partner with local behavioral health departments, community organizations, and nonprofits in developing classroom-based courses on law enforcement interactions with individuals experiencing mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance use disorders.

The legislation transforms the current training framework by requiring, rather than merely making available, a minimum three-hour course for law enforcement officers ranked supervisor or below who are assigned to patrol duties or supervise patrol officers. The curriculum encompasses the nature and indicators of behavioral health conditions, appropriate response techniques, conflict de-escalation, communication strategies, available resources, and perspectives from affected individuals and families. Course content must address stigma while remaining culturally relevant.

Under the bill's provisions, local law enforcement agencies would bear additional training costs, though they may qualify for state reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines the requirements constitute a state-mandated program. The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training must implement these changes by August 2026, establishing new partnerships and ensuring all relevant officers complete the expanded behavioral health curriculum.