§ 3712. Training program. (a) Required training.--Every individual, prior to the society or association making application for appointment as a humane society police officer, shall successfully complete the minimum requirements for initial training prescribed in the program for initial training of humane society police officers established in accordance with subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e). (b) Contracts.--The secretary, with the advice of the board, shall contract with an accredited college or university, including a community college or other public or private entity, for the establishment of a program for the training of individuals to act as humane society police officers. The contracted entity shall forward information pertaining to an individual's successful completion of the initial training program to the department for the purpose of maintaining the Statewide registry established pursuant to section 3714 (relating to Statewide registry). (c) Minimum requirements.--The program for the training of humane society police officers shall include at a minimum 60 hours of instruction in accordance with subsection (d). (d) Curriculum.--The program for the training of humane society police officers shall provide instruction in the following instructional areas: (1) At least 36 hours of instruction shall be provided on the following: (i) Pennsylvania cruelty to animal laws. (ii) Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. (iii) Care and treatment of animals. (iv) Proper execution of search warrants. (v) Proper search and seizure practices. (vi) Any other areas relating to law enforcement duties. (2) At least 24 hours of instruction shall be provided on the following: (i) Animal husbandry practices constituting normal agricultural operation. (ii) Practices accepted in the agricultural industry in the raising, keeping and production of agricultural animals. (iii) Characteristics of agricultural animals likely evidencing care that is in violation of the cruelty to animal laws. (iv) Proper care and handling of agricultural animals pursuant to enforcement of the cruelty to animals laws. (v) Treatments administered and research conducted during the normal scope of veterinarian practices. (e) Final examination.--The training program shall require individuals, as a prerequisite to successful completion of the program, to take and pass a final examination that sufficiently measures the individuals's knowledge and understanding of the instructional material. (f) Current officers.--Individuals who have been appointed as humane society police officers prior to the effective date of this chapter are exempt from the initial training requirements pursuant to this section provided that the individual can provide proof to the secretary of successful completion of a similar training program for humane society police officers established under the act of December 12, 1994 (P.L.956, No.135), known as the Humane Society Police Officer Enforcement Act. Cross References. Section 3712 is referred to in sections 3705, 3714 of this title.

§ 3712. Training program. (a) Required training.--Every individual, prior to the society or association making application for appointment as a humane society police officer, shall successfully complete the minimum requirements for initial training prescribed in the program for initial training of humane society police officers established in accordance with subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e). (b) Contracts.--The secretary, with the advice of the board, shall contract with an accredited college or university, including a community college or other public or private entity, for the establishment of a program for the training of individuals to act as humane society police officers. The contracted entity shall forward information pertaining to an individual's successful completion of the initial training program to the department for the purpose of maintaining the Statewide registry established pursuant to section 3714 (relating to Statewide registry). (c) Minimum requirements.--The program for the training of humane society police officers shall include at a minimum 60 hours of instruction in accordance with subsection (d). (d) Curriculum.--The program for the training of humane society police officers shall provide instruction in the following instructional areas: (1) At least 36 hours of instruction shall be provided on the following: (i) Pennsylvania cruelty to animal laws. (ii) Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. (iii) Care and treatment of animals. (iv) Proper execution of search warrants. (v) Proper search and seizure practices. (vi) Any other areas relating to law enforcement duties. (2) At least 24 hours of instruction shall be provided on the following: (i) Animal husbandry practices constituting normal agricultural operation. (ii) Practices accepted in the agricultural industry in the raising, keeping and production of agricultural animals. (iii) Characteristics of agricultural animals likely evidencing care that is in violation of the cruelty to animal laws. (iv) Proper care and handling of agricultural animals pursuant to enforcement of the cruelty to animals laws. (v) Treatments administered and research conducted during the normal scope of veterinarian practices. (e) Final examination.--The training program shall require individuals, as a prerequisite to successful completion of the program, to take and pass a final examination that sufficiently measures the individuals's knowledge and understanding of the instructional material. (f) Current officers.--Individuals who have been appointed as humane society police officers prior to the effective date of this chapter are exempt from the initial training requirements pursuant to this section provided that the individual can provide proof to the secretary of successful completion of a similar training program for humane society police officers established under the act of December 12, 1994 (P.L.956, No.135), known as the Humane Society Police Officer Enforcement Act. Cross References. Section 3712 is referred to in sections 3705, 3714 of this title.