(a) (1) The CPOST shall develop, approve, and monitor standards for the selection and training of state correctional peace officer apprentices.

(2) Any standard for selection established under this subdivision shall be subject to approval by the Department of Human Resources. Using the psychological and screening standards approved by the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Human Resources or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall ensure that, prior to training, each applicant who has otherwise qualified in all physical and other testing requirements to be a peace officer the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, is determined to be free from emotional or mental conditions that might adversely affect the exercise of his or her duties and powers as a peace officer pursuant to the standards developed by CPOST.

(3) When developing, approving, and monitoring the standards for training of state correctional peace officer apprentices, the CPOST shall consider including additional training in the areas of mental health and rehabilitation, as well as coursework on the theory and history of corrections.

(b) The CPOST may approve standards for a course in the carrying and use of firearms for correctional peace officers that is different from that prescribed pursuant to Section 832. The standards shall take into consideration the different circumstances presented within the institutional setting from that presented to other law enforcement agencies outside the correctional setting.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 3078 of the Labor Code, the length of the probationary period for correctional peace officer apprentices shall be determined by the CPOST subject to approval by the State Personnel Board, pursuant to Section 19170 of the Government Code.

(d) The CPOST shall develop, approve, and monitor standards for advanced rank-and-file and supervisory state correctional peace officer and training programs for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. When a correctional peace officer is promoted within the department, he or she shall be provided with and be required to complete these secondary training experiences.

(e) The CPOST shall develop, approve, and monitor standards for the training of state correctional peace officers in the department in the handling of stress associated with their duties.

(f) Toward the accomplishment of the objectives of this section, the CPOST may confer with, and may avail itself of the assistance and recommendations of, other state and local agencies, boards, or commissions.

(g) Notwithstanding the authority of the CPOST, the department shall design and deliver training programs, shall conduct validation studies, and shall provide program support. The CPOST shall monitor program compliance by the department.

(h) The CPOST may disapprove any training courses created by the department pursuant to the standards developed by CPOST if it determines that the courses do not meet the prescribed standards. Training may continue with existing curriculum pending resolution.

(i) The CPOST shall annually submit an estimate of costs to conduct those inquiries and audits as may be necessary to determine whether the department and each of its institutions and parole regions are adhering to the standards developed by the CPOST, and shall conduct those inquiries and audits consistent with the annual Budget Act.

(j) The CPOST shall establish and implement procedures for reviewing and issuing decisions concerning complaints or recommendations from interested parties regarding the CPOST rules, regulations, standards, or decisions.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 33, Sec. 36. (SB 843) Effective June 27, 2016.)