Legislative intent with respect to upgrading the quality of law enforcement officers and correctional officers.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to strengthen and upgrade law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions in this state by attracting competent, highly qualified people for professional careers in the criminal justice disciplines and to retain well-qualified and experienced officers for the purpose of providing maximum protection and safety to the citizens of, the visitors to, and the inmates in this state.

(2) It is the further intent of the Legislature to establish a minimum foundation program for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and correctional probation officers which will provide a statewide minimum salary for all such officers; to provide state monetary supplement in order to effectuate an upgrading of compensation for all law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and correctional probation officers; and to upgrade the educational and training standards of such officers.

(3) It is the further intent of the Legislature that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, in the execution of its powers, duties, and functions, actively provide statewide leadership in the establishment, implementation, and evaluation of criminal justice standards and training for all law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and correctional probation officers.