Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015
PL 114-285 (H.R.3842), enacted 12/16/2016

130 STAT. 1453 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
Public Law 114–285 
114th Congress 
An Act 
To improve homeland security, including domestic preparedness and response to 
terrorism, by reforming Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to provide 
training to first responders, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Law Enforcement 
Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015’’. 
SEC. 2. FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTERS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Section 884 of the Homeland Security 
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 464) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 884. FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTERS. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall maintain in the 
Department the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers 
(FLETC), headed by a Director, who shall report to the Secretary. 
‘‘(b) POSITION.—The Director shall occupy a career-reserved 
position within the Senior Executive Service. 
‘‘(c) FUNCTIONS OF THE DIRECTOR.—The Director shall— 
‘‘(1) develop training goals and establish strategic and tac-
tical organizational program plan and priorities; 
‘‘(2) provide direction and management for FLETC’s 
training facilities, programs, and support activities while 
ensuring that organizational program goals and priorities are 
executed in an effective and efficient manner; 
‘‘(3) develop homeland security and law enforcement 
training curricula, including curricula related to domestic 
preparedness and response to threats or acts of terrorism, 
for Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, and international 
law enforcement and security agencies and private sector secu-
rity agencies; 
‘‘(4) monitor progress toward strategic and tactical FLETC 
plans regarding training curricula, including curricula related 
to domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of 
terrorism, and facilities; 
‘‘(5) ensure the timely dissemination of homeland security 
information as necessary to Federal, State, local, tribal, terri-
torial, and international law enforcement and security agencies 
and the private sector to achieve the training goals for such 
entities, in accordance with paragraph (1); 
‘‘(6) carry out delegated acquisition responsibilities in a 
manner that— 
6 USC 101 note. 
Federal Law 
Enforcement 
Training Centers 
Reform and 
Improvement Act 
of 2015. 
Dec. 16, 2016 
[H.R. 3842] 
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130 STAT. 1454 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
‘‘(A) fully complies with— 
‘‘(i) Federal law; 
‘‘(ii) the Federal Acquisition Regulation, including 
requirements regarding agency obligations to contract 
only with responsible prospective contractors; and 
‘‘(iii) Department acquisition management direc-
tives; and 
‘‘(B) maximizes opportunities for small business partici-
pation; 
‘‘(7) coordinate and share information with the heads of 
relevant components and offices on digital learning and training 
resources, as appropriate; 
‘‘(8) advise the Secretary on matters relating to executive 
level policy and program administration of Federal, State, local, 
tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement and secu-
rity training activities and private sector security agency 
training activities, including training activities related to 
domestic preparedness and response to threats or acts of ter-
rorism; 
‘‘(9) collaborate with the Secretary and relevant officials 
at other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, 
to improve international instructional development, training, 
and technical assistance provided by the Federal Government 
to foreign law enforcement; and 
‘‘(10) carry out such other functions as the Secretary deter-
mines are appropriate. 
‘‘(d) TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director is authorized to provide 
training to employees of Federal agencies who are engaged, 
directly or indirectly, in homeland security operations or Fed-
eral law enforcement activities, including such operations or 
activities related to domestic preparedness and response to 
threats or acts of terrorism. In carrying out such training, 
the Director shall— 
‘‘(A) evaluate best practices of law enforcement training 
methods and curriculum content to maintain state-of-the- 
art expertise in adult learning methodology; 
‘‘(B) provide expertise and technical assistance, 
including on domestic preparedness and response to threats 
or acts of terrorism, to Federal, State, local, tribal, terri-
torial, and international law enforcement and security 
agencies and private sector security agencies; and 
‘‘(C) maintain a performance evaluation process for 
students. 
‘‘(2) RELATIONSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.— 
The Director shall consult with relevant law enforcement and 
security agencies in the development and delivery of FLETC’s 
training programs. 
‘‘(3) TRAINING DELIVERY LOCATIONS.—The training required 
under paragraph (1) may be conducted at FLETC facilities, 
at appropriate off-site locations, or by distributed learning. 
‘‘(4) STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Director may— 
‘‘(i) execute strategic partnerships with State and 
local law enforcement to provide such law enforcement 
with specific training, including maritime law enforce-
ment training; and 
Consultation. 
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130 STAT. 1455 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
‘‘(ii) coordinate with the Under Secretary respon-
sible for overseeing critical infrastructure protection, 
cybersecurity, and other related programs of the 
Department and with private sector stakeholders, 
including critical infrastructure owners and operators, 
to provide training pertinent to improving coordination, 
security, and resiliency of critical infrastructure. 
‘‘(B) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—The Director shall 
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, upon 
request, information on activities undertaken in the pre-
vious year pursuant to subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(5) FLETC DETAILS
TO
DHS.—The Director may detail 
employees of FLETC to positions throughout the Department 
in furtherance of improving the effectiveness and quality of 
training provided by the Department and, as appropriate, the 
development of critical departmental programs and initiatives. 
‘‘(6) DETAIL OF INSTRUCTORS TO FLETC.—Partner organiza-
tions that wish to participate in FLETC training programs 
shall assign non-reimbursable detailed instructors to FLETC 
for designated time periods to support all training programs 
at FLETC, as appropriate. The Director shall determine the 
number of detailed instructors that is proportional to the 
number of training hours requested by each partner organiza-
tion scheduled by FLETC for each fiscal year. If a partner 
organization is unable to provide a proportional number of 
detailed instructors, such partner organization shall reimburse 
FLETC for the salary equivalent for such detailed instructors, 
as appropriate. 
‘‘(7) PARTNER ORGANIZATION EXPENSES REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Partner organizations shall be 
responsible for the following expenses: 
‘‘(i) Salaries, travel expenses, lodging expenses, 
and miscellaneous per diem allowances of their per-
sonnel attending training courses at FLETC. 
‘‘(ii) Salaries and travel expenses of instructors 
and support personnel involved in conducting advanced 
training at FLETC for partner organization personnel 
and the cost of expendable supplies and special equip-
ment for such training, unless such supplies and equip-
ment are common to FLETC-conducted training and 
have been included in FLETC’s budget for the 
applicable fiscal year. 
‘‘(B) EXCESS BASIC AND ADVANCED FEDERAL TRAINING.— 
All hours of advanced training and hours of basic training 
provided in excess of the training for which appropriations 
were made available shall be paid by the partner organiza-
tions and provided to FLETC on a reimbursable basis 
in accordance with section 4104 of title 5, United States 
Code. 
‘‘(8) PROVISION OF NON-FEDERAL TRAINING.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Director is authorized to charge 
and retain fees that would pay for its actual costs of the 
training for the following: 
‘‘(i) State, local, tribal, and territorial law enforce-
ment personnel. 
Fees. 
Reimbursement. 
Reimbursement. 
Determination. 
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130 STAT. 1456 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
‘‘(ii) Foreign law enforcement officials, including 
provision of such training at the International Law 
Enforcement Academies wherever established. 
‘‘(iii) Private sector security officers, participants 
in the Federal Flight Deck Officer program under sec-
tion 44921 of title 49, United States Code, and other 
appropriate private sector individuals. 
‘‘(B) WAIVER.—The Director may waive the require-
ment for reimbursement of any cost under this section 
and shall maintain records regarding the reasons for any 
requirements so waived. 
‘‘(9) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Director is authorized to 
reimburse travel or other expenses for non-Federal personnel 
who attend activities related to training sponsored by FLETC, 
at travel and per diem rates established by the General Services 
Administration. 
‘‘(10) STUDENT
SUPPORT.—In furtherance of its training 
mission, the Director is authorized to provide the following 
support to students: 
‘‘(A) Athletic and related activities. 
‘‘(B) Short-term medical services. 
‘‘(C) Chaplain services. 
‘‘(11) AUTHORITY TO HIRE FEDERAL ANNUITANTS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, the Director is authorized to appoint and 
maintain, as necessary, Federal annuitants who have 
expert knowledge and experience to meet the training 
responsibilities under this subsection. 
‘‘(B) NO REDUCTION IN RETIREMENT PAY.—A Federal 
annuitant employed pursuant to this paragraph shall not 
be subject to any reduction in pay for annuity allocable 
to the period of actual employment under the provisions 
of section 8344 or 8468 of title 5, United States Code, 
or similar provision of any other retirement system for 
employees. 
‘‘(C) RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANTS.—A Federal annuitant 
employed pursuant to this paragraph shall not be consid-
ered an employee for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 
83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, or such 
other retirement system (referred to in subparagraph (B)) 
as may apply. 
‘‘(D) COUNTING.—Federal annuitants shall be counted 
on a full time equivalent basis. 
‘‘(E) LIMITATION.—No appointment under this para-
graph may be made which would result in the displacement 
of any employee. 
‘‘(12) TRAVEL FOR INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES.—The Director 
is authorized to reimburse intermittent Federal employees trav-
eling from outside a commuting distance (to be predetermined 
by the Director) for travel expenses. 
‘‘(e) ON-FLETC HOUSING.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, individuals attending training at any FLETC facility 
shall, to the extent practicable and in accordance with FLETC 
policy, reside in on-FLETC or FLETC-provided housing. 
‘‘(f) ADDITIONAL FISCAL AUTHORITIES.—In order to further the 
goals and objectives of FLETC, the Director is authorized to— 
Reimbursement. 
Records. 
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130 STAT. 1457 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
‘‘(1) expend funds for public awareness and to enhance 
community support of law enforcement training, including the 
advertisement of available law enforcement training programs; 
‘‘(2) accept and use gifts of property, both real and personal, 
and to accept gifts of services, for purposes that promote the 
functions of the Director pursuant to subsection (c) and the 
training responsibilities of the Director under subsection (d); 
‘‘(3) accept reimbursement from other Federal agencies for 
the construction or renovation of training and support facilities 
and the use of equipment and technology on government owned- 
property; 
‘‘(4) obligate funds in anticipation of reimbursements from 
agencies receiving training at FLETC, except that total obliga-
tions at the end of a fiscal year may not exceed total budgetary 
resources available at the end of such fiscal year; 
‘‘(5) in accordance with the purchasing authority provided 
under section 505 of the Department of Homeland Security 
Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108–90; 6 U.S.C. 453a)— 
‘‘(A) purchase employee and student uniforms; and 
‘‘(B) purchase and lease passenger motor vehicles, 
including vehicles for police-type use; 
‘‘(6) provide room and board for student interns; and 
‘‘(7) expend funds each fiscal year to honor and memorialize 
FLETC graduates who have died in the line of duty. 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) BASIC TRAINING.—The term ‘basic training’ means the 
entry-level training required to instill in new Federal law 
enforcement personnel fundamental knowledge of criminal 
laws, law enforcement and investigative techniques, laws and 
rules of evidence, rules of criminal procedure, constitutional 
rights, search and seizure, and related issues. 
‘‘(2) DETAILED INSTRUCTORS.—The term ‘detailed instruc-
tors’ means personnel who are assigned to the Federal Law 
Enforcement Training Centers for a period of time to serve 
as instructors for the purpose of conducting basic and advanced 
training. 
‘‘(3) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘Director’ means the Director 
of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. 
‘‘(4) 
DISTRIBUTED
LEARNING.—The 
term 
‘distributed 
learning’ means education in which students take academic 
courses by accessing information and communicating with the 
instructor, from various locations, on an individual basis, over 
a computer network or via other technologies. 
‘‘(5) EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘employee’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code. 
‘‘(6) FEDERAL AGENCY.—The term ‘Federal agency’ means— 
‘‘(A) an Executive Department as defined in section 
101 of title 5, United States Code; 
‘‘(B) an independent establishment as defined in section 
104 of title 5, United States Code; 
‘‘(C) a Government corporation as defined in section 
9101 of title 31, United States Code; 
‘‘(D) the Government Printing Office; 
‘‘(E) the United States Capitol Police; 
‘‘(F) the United States Supreme Court Police; and 
‘‘(G) Government agencies with law enforcement 
related duties. 
Reimbursement. 
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130 STAT. 1458 
PUBLIC LAW 114–285—DEC. 16, 2016 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 3842 (S. 2781): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 114–343, Pt. 1 (Comm. on Homeland Security). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 161 (2015): Dec. 8, considered and passed House. 
Vol. 162 (2016): Dec. 9, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Dec. 13, House concurred in Senate amendments. 
‘‘(7) LAW
ENFORCEMENT
PERSONNEL.—The term ‘law 
enforcement personnel’ means an individual, including criminal 
investigators (commonly known as ‘agents’) and uniformed 
police (commonly known as ‘officers’), who has statutory 
authority to search, seize, make arrests, or to carry firearms. 
‘‘(8) LOCAL.—The term ‘local’ means— 
‘‘(A) of or pertaining to any county, parish, munici-
pality, city, town, township, rural community, unincor-
porated town or village, local public authority, educational 
institution, special district, intrastate district, council of 
governments (regardless of whether the council of govern-
ments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under 
State law), regional or interstate government entity, any 
agency or instrumentality of a local government, or any 
other political subdivision of a State; and 
‘‘(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, 
or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native 
Corporation. 
‘‘(9) PARTNER ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘partner organiza-
tion’ means any Federal agency participating in FLETC’s 
training programs under a formal memorandum of under-
standing. 
‘‘(10) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means any State of the 
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any 
possession of the United States. 
‘‘(11) STUDENT INTERN.—The term ‘student intern’ means 
any eligible baccalaureate or graduate degree student partici-
pating in FLETC’s College Intern Program. 
‘‘(h) PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING.—No funds are authorized 
to carry out this section. This section shall be carried out using 
amounts otherwise appropriated or made available for such pur-
pose.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of contents in section 
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by amending 
the item relating to section 884 to read as follows: 
‘‘Sec. 884. Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.’’. 
Approved December 16, 2016. 
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