Water Patrol hearing calls training into question

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9/17/2014: Radio Story - A House review committee will look into the 2011 merger of the state Water Patrol and Highway Patrol.

10/ 1/2014: Newspaper Story - House committee investigates Highway Patrol after drowning death of Patrol arestee

Intro:	Family members of a Highway Patrol drowning victim asked answers at a public hearing about the state's water patrol.
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Wrap: The drowning of Brandon Ellingson at the Lake of the Ozarks in May while he was in the custody of an officer sparked the creation of a legislative committee.

They are investigating officer training in the wake of the 2011 merger of the highway and water patrols.

Ellingson Family attorney Matt Boles said the drowning wouldn't have happened if officers had adequate training.

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Description: "It's devastating the life that was lost, it's devastating the potential that Brandon had but more importantly, it's devastating to think that there are still officers out there that aren't trained properly."

One issue for the committee is highway officers tasked with patrolling water and their subsequent training.

The Highway Patrol colonel said they wouldn't answer questions about Ellingson because of pending legal action.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Nicole Shaddy.

Intro:	A recent drowning forced the state Highway Patrol to answer questions in a legislative hearing Monday.
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Wrap: The drowning of Brandon Ellingson at the Lake of the Ozarks in May while he was in the custody of an officer sparked the creation of a legislative committee.

The committee is investigating the 2011 merger of the highway and water patrols.

Lake of the Ozarks area representative and Committee Chairwoman Diane Franklin questioned the Patrol's training director about evaluations like swim tests.

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Description: "Why can't you answer this question? I can that I don't know all those answers I would have to look at training records to see if there was. Well how can they be out on the water if they haven't completed your test?"

One issue for the committee is formal training for Highway Patrol officers assigned to the water.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Nicole Shaddy.

Intro:	The state Highway Patrol refused to answer questions about a recent drowning during a legislative hearing Wednesday.
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Wrap: The state Patrol colonel said they wouldn't answer questions about the May drowning of Brandon Ellingson at the Lake of the Ozarks after he was arrested for intoxicated boating.

The legislative committee is investigating the 2011 merger of the highway and water patrols and their training methods.

Ellingson's father said he was offended when the Patrol superintendent wouldn't talk about his son.

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Description: "They needed to not sugar coat the fact why they're here. They're here because of Brandon and why he drowned. If he wouldn't have drowned they wouldn't be here today."

The state Highway Patrol colonel said they wouldn't talk about the drowning because of pending legal action.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Nicole Shaddy.