Lawmaker proposes class to educate 9th-graders on proper police etiquette

AUSTIN, Texas – New legislation will be introduced in an attempt to educate children on how to interact with law enforcement when they are stopped for a traffic violation or detained.

Sen. John Whitmire's bill announced Thursday will require the State Board of Education to establish new rules for a new curriculum section for ninth-graders on law enforcement duties and interaction.

The bill is part of an effort to combat escalated situations between officers and civilians.

"There is no home team or visiting team. We must all come together to develop the best strategies to improve relations and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve," Whitmire said. "Increased training and education for both peace officers and our students will help foster positive relations and interactions."

Andy Dewey of the Houston Federation of Teachers is skeptical.

"The schools alone can't be the only way that we educate these kids, they don't have the funding for it and it's very difficult to squeeze it into the time,” Dewey said.

The senate criminal justice committee has been asked to look into relations between police and the public, their next meeting is Oct. 4.