Sign In
Free Newsletter
Senate approves bill to delay release of officers’ names in deadly shootings
Ben Giles//February 23, 2015
Senate approves bill to delay release of officers’ names in deadly shootings
Ben Giles//February 23, 2015
The Arizona Senate approved a bill today that will keep the names of officers who use deadly force a secret from the public for 90 days after a shooting.
Lawmakers voted 23-6 to approve the measure, pushed by police unions who say the delay will provide a valuable cooling-off period in the aftermath of emotionally-charged police shootings. Though no officer has been physically retaliated against in the wake of a shooting, Maricopa Republican Sen. Steve Smith, the bill’s sponsor, has said he doesn’t want to wait for an officer to be hurt to pass the legislation.
Opponents have argued the bill will have the opposite of the desired effect, and will instead further anger those in the public who may see the waiting period as a cover up by police officials.
The bill now moves to the House, where it must be approved by the full chamber before heading to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk.
