The bill adds Section 16-22-1.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, allowing public institutions of higher education to employ reserve police officers in addition to their full-time or part-time police officers. The president or chief executive officer of these institutions can hire reserve officers, who may serve with or without compensation, to assist regular police officers. To qualify, applicants must be at least 19 years old, possess good moral character, and have no felony or certain misdemeanor convictions. They must also consent to a fingerprint and criminal history background check. The duties of reserve police officers are limited to specific functions such as patrolling, traffic control, and crowd management, all under the supervision of a full-time police officer.

Additionally, the bill specifies that reserve police officers cannot exercise arrest powers unless they have completed certification from the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. Furthermore, while on duty, reserve officers are prohibited from carrying firearms unless they have received approval from the institution's president or chief executive officer, and the use of firearms must comply with the institution's policies. The bill removes the requirement for reserve officers to obtain a permit for carrying firearms, streamlining the process for their potential use. The act will take effect three months after its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-22-1
Enrolled: 16-22-1