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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
school resource officers; veterans; retirees
Purpose
Allows an individual who was previously employed as a peace officer or a veteran to serve as a School Safety Program (Program) School Resource Officer.
Background
The Program supports, promotes and enhances safe and effective learning environments for all students by supporting the costs of placing school resource officers, juvenile probation officers, school counselors and school social workers on school campuses. A school district or charter school may apply to participate in the school safety program for up to three fiscal years by submitting a program proposal to the Arizona Department of Education by April 15. A Program proposal for supporting the costs of placing school resource officers or juvenile probation officers, or both, on a school campus must include: 1) a detailed description of school safety needs; 2) a plan for implementing a law-related education program or a plan; 3) a plan to use trained school resource officers or juvenile probation officers, or both, in the school; and 4) information on the success, compliance and implementation of the most recent grant if the school district or charter school has already participated in the Program (A.R.S. § 15-154).
The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (Board) makes recommendations on all matters relating to law enforcement and public safety and prescribes: 1) reasonable minimum qualifications for officers to be appointed to enforce the laws of this state; and 2) minimum courses of training and minimum standards for training facilities for law enforcement officers (A.R.S. § 41-1822).
School resource officer means a peace officer or a full-authority reserve peace officer who is certified by the Board.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Expands the definition of school resource officer to include:
a) an individual who was previously employed as a peace officer, retired in good standing and is certified by the Board; and
b) a veteran who is certified by the Board.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 12, 2024
MH/LB/slp