KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, has authored a bill that would allow full background checks on those seeking law enforcement training.
The former Eaton County sheriff says his legislation will keep out-of-state felons from entering police academies.
Currently, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards can only conduct a check for Michigan criminal behavior.
“What my bill will do is make it legal for (Michigan State Police) to do a nationwide FBI fingerprint check,” Jones said.
That change, Jones claims, will improve the academy pool and keep criminals from becoming better criminals.
“What we don’t want to have happen is have a felon learning police techniques,” Jones said.
Jones says other legislators and law enforcement agencies are supportive of the bill, which is currently in committee.
