December 15, 1998

BULLETIN:            98-28

SUBJECT:  MANDATORY CRIMINAL HISTORY CLEARANCE FOR ADMISSION TO POST-CERTIFIED P.C. 832 ARREST AND FIREARMS COURSE

 

Senate Bill 1442 (Rainey) was signed by the Governor and becomes effective January 1, 1999.  This bill amends Penal Code Section 13511.5 and makes changes specifying that the training referred to in this provision of law includes the carrying and use of firearms.  The amended law requires a written Department of Justice criminal history clearance for the firearms component of the P.C. 832 Arrest and Firearms Course.

Penal Code Section 13511.5 requires that each applicant for admission to a basic course of training certified by the Commission (including the P.C. 832 course) that includes the carrying and use of firearms, and who is not sponsored by a local or other law enforcement agency, or is not a peace officer employed by a state or local agency, department, or district, shall be required to submit written certification from the Department of Justice that the applicant has no criminal history background which would disqualify him or her, from owning, possessing, or having under his or her control a firearm. 

The amended law affects any non-sponsored trainee seeking admission to the firearms component of the P.C. 832 course.  Before being admitted to the 24-hour firearms training course, a non-sponsored trainee must submit a written criminal history clearance from the Department of Justice to the training presenter.  A copy of the Department of Justice procedure is attached.

POST recommends that presenters list this prerequisite requirement in their course announcements and catalogues.  It is the training presenters’ responsibility to check and maintain a criminal history clearance letter on any trainee who is admitted to a basic course or the firearms portion of the P.C. 832 course.

Questions about the changes outlined in the amendments to Penal Code Section 13511.5 should be directed to the POST Basic Training Bureau at (916) 227-4252.

KENNETH J. O’BRIEN

Executive Director

Attachment

Attachment available on hard copy only.