This training may be provided locally or regionally but shall be subject to approval of the Law Enforcement Training Council. If disapproved, the Training Council shall designate a representative to confer with the chief to make acceptable program changes. Within reason, and subject to academy schedules, academy staff may assist in the training.

In addition to the sixty hours of preliminary training, classes of in-service training shall be held periodically but not less than once a month. Consecutive absences of more than three sessions may be grounds for dismissal.

Any person who served as an auxiliary or reserve police officer on any municipal or county police force for a period of at least six months prior to April 19, 1978, and is serving in that capacity on the effective date of this act shall not be required to have a high school diploma as a prerequisite for participating in any training program authorized or required by this chapter.