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Rick West Bill Would Strike Resident Alien Status from CLEET Eligibility
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, this year will again pursue legislation that would remove the ability of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) to certify as a peace officer any person with permanent resident alien status.
West filed House Bill 1026 in 2023, and the bill passed the House Criminal Justice Committee but was not heard on the House floor. It is still eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 59th Legislature. Anyone certified prior to Nov. 1, 2023, would not be subject to the provisions of the amended act.
"It's my belief, shared by many in my House district, that those who apply to enforce the laws of our state should be permanent citizens" West said. "This is just a common-sense amendment to better protect the rights of Oklahomans."
Established in 1963, CLEET supports Oklahoma law enforcement by providing education and training. The council also provides education and licensing to private security, private investigations and bail enforcers in the state.
CLEET-certified peace officer cadets can go on to work for municipal, county or state law enforcement agencies, where they might perform work from conducting traffic stops to criminal investigations and more. Certification also includes firearms training.
Sen. Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the Senate author of the measure.
The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 5.
-END-
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, this year will again pursue legislation that would remove the ability of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) to certify as a peace officer any person with permanent resident alien status.
West filed House Bill 1026 in 2023, and the bill passed the House Criminal Justice Committee but was not heard on the House floor. It is still eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 59th Legislature. Anyone certified prior to Nov. 1, 2023, would not be subject to the provisions of the amended act.
"It's my belief, shared by many in my House district, that those who apply to enforce the laws of our state should be permanent citizens" West said. "This is just a common-sense amendment to better protect the rights of Oklahomans."
Established in 1963, CLEET supports Oklahoma law enforcement by providing education and training. The council also provides education and licensing to private security, private investigations and bail enforcers in the state.
CLEET-certified peace officer cadets can go on to work for municipal, county or state law enforcement agencies, where they might perform work from conducting traffic stops to criminal investigations and more. Certification also includes firearms training.
Sen. Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the Senate author of the measure.
The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 5.
-END-
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
