Committee approves requirement for Alzheimer’s/dementia training for law enforcement

Sen. Gilmore and David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association presented legislation to require at least two hours of Alzheimer’s/dementia-specific training be included in law-enforcement mental-health training blocks at the academy. Cook said the change would prepare first responders to recognize dementia symptoms, assist in search-and-rescue for wandering individuals and handle crisis situations with greater sensitivity.

Senators voiced support and asked technical questions about curriculum and timing; sponsors said the requirement would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2024 (to allow curriculum development) and that the change complements existing training rather than replacing it. The committee approved the bill by voice vote.