Senate Republicans Move Bill to Put More Officers on Arizona Streets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 29, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Arizona communities are short hundreds of police officers, and Senate Republicans are taking action right now to help fill the gap and strengthen public safety statewide.
SB 1107, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen, moves Arizona closer to putting more trained officers on local streets and highways by creating an alternative pathway for peace officer certification for honorably discharged U.S. veterans and former military police. The bill passed the Senate Public Safety Committee Wednesday afternoon with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the full Senate.
"The law enforcement shortages we're seeing around the state are affecting our officers' abilities to respond to and stop illegal and criminal activities, hurting the morale of our brave men and women in blue and jeopardizing the freedoms of law-abiding Arizonans. Government's first responsibility it to protect our citizens, which is what my bill does by giving an alternative to hire qualified officers. It's time to have a surplus of officers in every community across our great state."
The legislation comes as law enforcement agencies across Arizona face historic staffing shortages. According to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, there was a 41% drop in officers and deputies working traffic shifts during the most recent holiday season compared to the year before. During that same period, traffic stops dropped nearly 40%. Major departments are also struggling to keep up. The City of Phoenix recently reported a shortage of roughly 500 police officers, while the Arizona Department of Public Safety has acknowledged a deficit of about 300 troopers statewide.
"Fewer officers on patrol means slower response times, fewer traffic stops, and fewer opportunities to stop criminal activity before it escalates," said President Petersen. "SB 1107 helps address that reality by cutting unnecessary red tape for veterans who already have law enforcement training and experience, while still requiring them to meet Arizona's certification, background, and fitness standards."
SB 1107 now advances to the full Arizona Senate for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus