SC lawmakers aim to stop untrained police officers from patrolling alone.

Small police forces often send new officers on patrol as it can take months to get them into the Criminal Justice Academy.

Lawmakers are concerned about the death of an untrained Florence officer in a shooting during a traffic stop.

The academy is revamping its training to eliminate months-long waiting.

The bill will allow new officers without 12 weeks of training to patrol or arrest someone only with a certified officer.