LA JOYA – A new state mandate is forcing all peace officers to take additional training to deal with community-related situations.

The chief of police for La Joya Police Department says they recently started struggling with people running away and refusing arrest.

La Joya Police Traning coordinator, Miguel Flores, says sometimes officers have no choice but to use excessive force to de-escalate the situation and sometimes lack experience.

He tells us peace officers will have to take three new courses to help them gain experience on dealing with these types of situations.

 “I strongly believe that this type of curriculum they are essential to have more a positive impact within our community and ourselves,” says Flores.

Flores says he hopes the new training improves their relationship with the local community.

KRGV’s Christian Colón spoke with a La Joya native who says the police department needs to be involved with the community more.

For more information watch the video above.