SB 1107 Passes Senate, Opens Pathway forFormer Military Police to Help Fill Officer Shortage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 12, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Arizona communities are short on law enforcement officers, and Senate Republicans are delivering a solution. Today, the Arizona Senate passed SB 1107 to create a new pathway for qualified former military police to serve as peace officers in our state.
SB 1107 directs the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to establish an alternative certification pathway for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who previously served as military police officers, moving Arizona closer to putting more trained officers on local streets and highways. Eligible applicants may apply their military police training and experience toward Arizona requirements, complete an abbreviated AZPOST program focused on state law and procedures, and pass the state certification exam while meeting all existing background, medical, and psychological standards. The bill is designated as the "Military Police to Peace Officer Pathway Act," and the concept for the legislation came from Avondale City Councilmember Jeanette Garcia.
"As a former Military Police officer, I wrote SB 1107 because I saw firsthand the level of law enforcement training, discipline, and accountability our military police receive, and how often that experience is not recognized when veterans return home," said Councilmember Garcia. "Military Police veterans already have real law enforcement training, and Arizona should recognize that while still keeping standards high. This bill closes that gap by creating a responsible pathway for veterans to continue serving their communities, strengthens public safety across our state, and respects the value of military service. I'm grateful to the committee and President Petersen for sponsoring and advancing this legislation unanimously."
Law enforcement agencies across Arizona continue to face recruitment and retention challenges. SB 1107 provides departments with an additional hiring tool without lowering standards or compromising public safety. The measure passed with bipartisan support and backing from law enforcement agencies statewide, including the Arizona Police Association, which is the state's largest law enforcement union representing over 12,000 officers.
"This is a smart, practical reform to cut red tape for the safety of our communities," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "Jeanette Garcia brought forward an idea rooted in real experience. SB 1107 recognizes the training former military police already have, removes unnecessary barriers to service, and keeps Arizona's standards strong. We are backing law enforcement and taking action to strengthen public safety."
SB 1107 now advances to the House for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus