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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: PS DPA 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 27-2-1-0-0House: PSLE DP 11-1-2-1 |
SB 1107: peace officer certification; alternative pathway
Sponsor: Senator Petersen, LD 14
Caucus & COW
Overview
Creates an alternative pathway for peace officer certification in Arizona for U.S. veterans who were military police officers and honorably discharged.
History
Established in 1968, the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) is composed of 13 governor-appointed members who serve three-year terms and is responsible for setting the minimum qualifications for certification as a law enforcement officer in Arizona. These qualifications require citizenship; physical, mental and moral fitness; and govern recruitment, appointment and retention of all officers of every political subdivision. Additionally, AZPOST: 1) prescribes minimum courses of training and standards for training facilities; 2) recommends curricula for advanced courses for law enforcement and intelligence training in universities, colleges, and community colleges; 3) establishes uniform standards for background checks and continuing training requirements; 4) conducts investigations of peace officer misconduct and is authorized to revoke or suspend the certification of an officer who is noncompliant with the qualifications; 5) assists state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies by providing training and related services; and 6) makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on matters relating to law enforcement and public safety (AZPOST, Arizona State Library).
AZPOST also sets uniform minimum standards, approves basic training curriculum, and issues basic training certificates of completion to Arizona Department of Corrections correctional officers (A.R.S. § 41-1822).
Provisions
1. Directs AZPOST to establish an alternative pathway for peace officer certification in Arizona for veterans of the U.S. armed forces who were military police officers and honorably discharged, beginning January 1, 2027. (Sec. 2)
2. Requires the alternative pathway do all of the following:
a. accept an applicant's existing military police training and experience toward the AZPOST requirements;
b. allow eligible applicants to complete an abbreviated AZPOST program that focuses on Arizona's laws, procedures and community policing requirements; and
c. require applicants to pass the board-approved certification examination on peace officer procedures and Arizona's laws and maintain all current statutory requirements relating to moral character, medical and psychological fitness and background investigations. (Sec. 2)
3. Instructs eligible applicants to apply for the alternative pathway on a form prescribed by AZPOST. (Sec. 2)
4. Directs AZPOST to process all applications within 60 days after receiving a completed application. (Sec. 2)
5. Cites the legislation as the Military Police to Peace Officer Pathway Act. (Sec. 4)
6. Contains a legislative intent and findings clause. (Sec. 3)
7. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1, 2)
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11. Initials NM/AI SB 1107
12. 3/9/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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