Generally revise peace officer education standards

HB 589 revises education standards for peace officers in Montana, affecting individuals seeking to become peace officers and the agencies that employ them. The bill expands where the mandatory peace officer basic course can be completed. In addition to the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, a qualified law enforcement academy administered by an accredited Montana college or university may now provide this training. These alternative academies must have their curriculum and training methods approved by both a Montana state or local law enforcement agency and the Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council, ensuring they meet comparable standards.