A proposed rule change for Missouri police would require officers to have annual training in recognizing bias and dealing with people with mental health issues.
The new training requirements were endorsed Tuesday by the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
Gov. Jay Nixon had directed the commission in August to revamp the standards. He said the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson sparked a national debate on police training and gave Missouri a chance to lead in making improvements.
Police currently need 48 hours of training every three years. The proposal would change that to 24 hours annually while adding several specific subjects to the training.
The rule changes must pass through a review and public comment period before they can take effect.
