MORE TRAINING FOR OFFICERS

Just a few years ago, Missouri ranked 50th in required training for law enforcement officers. It took 120 hours of training to earn a badge and carry a gun.

But that has changed, thanks to a change in the statewide law. Prospective law enforcement officers now need 470 hours of certified training. The change places Missouri 23rd among the 50 states in terms of required training hours.

Southeast Missouri State University's Law Enforcement Academy is playing an integral role in this increased training. It offers top-quality training at close proximity for Southeast Missouri counties.

This increased training should put better law enforcement officers on the streets. And that should greatly increase Missouri's arsenal in the war on crime.