Nixon announces officer training commission

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gov. Jay Nixon is directing a state commission and the Missouri Department of Public Safety to update the state's training standards for law enforcement officers.

The governor announced Thursday in Kansas City that he wants proposals for the new standards by Dec. 1. The state's law enforcement training requirements haven't been updated since 1996.

The standards will focus on tactical training, fair and impartial policing, as well as the physical and mental health of officers.

Nixon appointed five new members to the Missouri's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, which sets rules for law enforcement training, continuing education and instruction.

He says the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson last August sparked a national debate on police training and gave Missouri a chance to help lead the discussion.