Pennsylvania § 7427 - Sheriff training requirement.

§ 7427. Sheriff training requirement.

(a) Certification required.--

(1) A sheriff elected after September 7, 2014, who does not hold certification as either a deputy sheriff or sheriff on the first Monday in January next following the election, during the sheriff's term of office:

(i) Shall obtain the education and training as provided in section 7425 (relating to training program), subject to any reduction in hours as provided in subsection (c).

(ii) Shall meet the requirements for continuing education after certification.

(iii) Shall obtain reinstatement of a previously revoked certification, if applicable.

(2) In the case of a county which has adopted a home rule charter which provides for the appointment of the sheriff, a sheriff appointed after September 7, 2014, shall obtain certification under this section within 18 months of appointment.

(b) Continuing education.--Every sheriff shall, while in office, meet the requirements for continuing education established by the board, with the review and approval of the commission.

(c) Prior education, training or experience.--The board, with the review and approval of the commission, shall have the authority and the discretion to reduce the hours of education and training required in section 7425 for sheriffs required to receive education and training who, because of prior education, training or experience, have acquired knowledge or skill equivalent to that provided by the program.

(d) Sheriffs in office.--Any sheriff holding office on September 7, 2014, shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements for training under section 7425 and shall receive certification from the board. From the date of the certification under this subsection, sheriffs shall be subject to continuing education as provided in subsection (b).

(e) Ineligibility.--Any sheriff failing to receive and maintain certification as provided in this section shall be ineligible to be on the ballot for the office of sheriff for any term subsequent to that under subsection (a).

(f) Vacancies.--

(1) Any person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of sheriff shall be certified or, in the alternative, obtain and maintain certification during the term for which the person is appointed under subsection (a). Any person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of sheriff who does not fulfill the requirements of subsection (a) shall be ineligible for subsequent election as provided under subsection (e).

(2) No person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of sheriff where the balance of the unexpired term is less than one year shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (1). However, a person who is elected to a term as sheriff immediately following the person's previously appointed term of less than one year is subject to the requirements under subsection (a).

(g) (Reserved).