Section 35-8-9. Completion of basic training course required; acceptance of other instruction; effect of failure to complete basic training requirements; limitation

   (a) In addition to complying with the preemployment standards as set forth in Code Section 35-8-8, each and every candidate shall satisfactorily complete a basic training course prior to his or her appointment as a peace officer.

(b) The council shall have the authority to recognize instruction received by a candidate if, in the determination of the council, such instruction is at least equivalent to that required by this chapter. If such instruction is recognized, then it shall be in lieu of part or parts of the minimum hours of instruction required for certification by this chapter.

(c) Should any candidate fail to complete successfully the basic training requirements specified in this Code section, he or she shall not perform any of the duties of a peace officer involving the power of arrest until such training shall have been successfully completed.

(d) A municipal correctional institution covered under the provisions of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (7) and subparagraph (C) of paragraph (8) of Code Section 35-8-2 shall not be permitted to have more than ten correctional officers in any 12 month period take the basic training course necessary to become a certified peace officer.

Ga. L. 1970, p. 208, § 9; Ga. L. 1975, p. 1165, § 6; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1004, § 1; Ga. L. 1994, p. 1355, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 1488, § 4A.