h_jud_2017a_2017-04-13t14:19:42z3 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/13/2017

Location: HCR 0112

03:35 PM -- SB17-096



Representative Lundeen, sponsor, explained SB17-096, concerning the reserve peace officer academy grant program. This bill creates the reserve academy grant program in the Division of Homeland Security in the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The program provides a one-time grant to create a reserve peace officer training academy and to train and certify a reserve peace officer auxiliary group. Guidelines for the grant application and the awarding of grants are provided in the bill. Grant funding is from gifts, grants, and donations and appropriations from the General Assembly. A grant award is to be made on or before December 1, 2017. The grant program is repealed July 1, 2019.



03:38 PM -- Stan Hilkey, representing DPS, spoke in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee and stressed the need for a reserve force that is available statewide for use in mutual aid situations.



03:43 PM -- Kevin Klein, representing DPS, testified in support of the measure. He answered questions from the committee regarding the involved training.



03:44 PM -- Colonel Ron Abramson, representing the Colorado Mountain Rangers, spoke in support of the bill. He answered questions about the grant and Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) training standards.



03:52 PM -- Terrance Carroll, representing himself and as a member of the Colorado Mountain Rangers, spoke in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee regarding fiscal, training, and diversity concerns.



04:09 PM -- Paul Carrill, representing the Nederland Police Department, testified in support of the measure. He said that the town of Nederland uses the Colorado Mountain Rangers to help with special events, such as Frozen Dead Guy Days. He answered questions from the committee.



04:16 PM -- Jake Shirk, representing the Monument Police Department, spoke in support of the bill. He reported to have a positive working relationship with the Colorado Mountain Rangers and has enlisted their services at the 4th of July parade.



04:20 PM -- Murphy Robinson, representing the city of Englewood, testified in support of the bill. He reported to the committee that police need supplemental help at big events in the city.



04:27 PM -- Chris Malanka, representing the Idaho Springs Police Department, spoke in favor of the bill. He reported that the Colorado Mountain Rangers help out at large events in small towns. He said the Rangers also assist with firefighting and other catastrophic incidents. He answered questions from the committee regarding diversity and stated there is a large population of female rangers.



04:35 PM -- Representative Lundeen gave closing remarks.