CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

(a) A public information officer described by Sections 411.3735 and 418.332 shall: (1) obtain certification from the division in emergency communications not later than the first anniversary of the date the public information officer was hired or appointed; and (2) complete a continuing education program on emergency communications approved by the division once during each 12-month period beginning on the date the public information officer obtained certification. (b) The division shall establish minimum education and training requirements for initial certification and continuing education under this subchapter. The minimum requirements must comply with the policies and standards developed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under Section 1701.163, Occupations Code. These minimum requirements must include courses on: (1) the National Incident Management System; (2) the Incident Command System; and (3) the basic skills and principles necessary to fulfill the role of a public information officer with respect to emergency communications. (c) The division shall assist the entities subject to Sections 411.3735 and 418.332 in identifying approved training programs. (d) The following courses may be taken to satisfy minimum education and training requirements under this subchapter: (1) a course provided by the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas; or (2) a course approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.