Section 1701.404 - Certification of Officers for Mental Health Assignments(a) The commission by rule may establish minimum requirements for the training, testing, and certification of special officers for offenders with mental impairments.(b)[Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 30]
The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy, constable, other peace officer, county jailer, or justice of the peace as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments if the person: (1) completes a training course in emergency first aid and lifesaving techniques approved by the commission; (2) completes a training course administered by the commission on mental health issues and offenders with mental impairments; and (3) passes an examination administered by the commission that is designed to test the person's: (A) knowledge and recognition of the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness and intellectual disability ; and (B) knowledge of mental health crisis intervention strategies for people with mental impairments. (b)[Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 1104]
The commission may certify a sheriff, sheriff's deputy, constable, other peace officer, county jailer, or justice of the peace as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments if the person: (1) completes a training course in emergency first aid and lifesaving techniques approved by the commission; (2) completes a training course administered by the commission on mental health issues and offenders with mental impairments; and (3) passes an examination administered by the commission that is designed to test the person's: (A) knowledge and recognition of the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness, intellectual disabilities , and developmental disabilities; and (B) knowledge of mental health crisis intervention strategies for people with mental impairments. (c) The commission may issue a professional achievement or proficiency certificate to an officer, county jailer, or justice of the peace who meets the requirements of Subsection (b).Tex. Occ. Code § 1701.404
Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 1104,Sec. 13, eff. 9/1/2023.Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 30,Sec. 11.01, eff. 9/1/2023.Amended By Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1131, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/2009. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1999.