The bill introduces a new section, Section 16-22-1.1, to the Code of Alabama 1975, which authorizes 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 bill outlines the specific duties of reserve police officers, which include patrolling for crime detection and prevention under the supervision of a full-time officer, directing traffic with some autonomy, and assisting with crowd control at events. Importantly, reserve officers are prohibited from exercising arrest powers unless they have completed certification from the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for reserve officers to obtain a permit for carrying firearms while on duty, instead allowing them to use firearms only with the approval of the institution's president and in accordance with institutional policies. 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