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The recent "Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004" drafted by Congress and signed into law by President Bush leaves some very important unanswered questions about who is actually allowed to carry their weapons throughout the nation. For example, the law requires that a "retired police officer meet the state standards for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers during the most recent 12 month period at the expense of the individual." The same issue regarding state standards applies to active duty personnel. The problem is that the State of Michigan does not have any training standard for police officers once they graduate from the police academy. Officers need to be cognizant of this issue so they are not unwittingly in violation of the federal law. This technicality needs to be addressed and resolved by MCOLES and our elected Senators and Representatives. Ray Beach of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards is aware of the problems. "One of the issues is the fact that some police retirees are not issued photo identification when they retire. The new law requires it. Another issue concerns training." Mr. Beach assured the MAP that he is looking into the matter and will report on its status in an upcoming edition of their newsletter.
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