Senator Sylvia Allen joined Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu in Florence today to announce the creation of an Anti-Smuggling Posse (ASP) Armed members of the ASP will assist PCSO SWAT members in fighting drug smugglers.

“Sheriff Babeu’s idea of a volunteer posse to assist with surveillance and other duties is a wonderful enhancement to our effort to protect the border,” said Senator Allen, a Republican from Snowflake and Chair of the Senate Border Security, Federalism and States Sovereignty Committee. “I will do all I can to encourage others to support this project.”

Senator Allen was the sponsor of SB 1083 in the most recent legislative session. SB 1083 would have created a Special Missions Unit to supplement the efforts of law enforcement in securing the Arizona-Mexico border. The Senate passed the bill overwhelmingly, but it was held in the House of Representatives.

Similar to the Special Missions Unit, the Anti-Smuggling Posse will be made up of volunteers who will be required to pass a full background investigation. Posse members will take quarterly weapons training and receive tactical training.