Crimes and offenses, impersonating a peace officer further provided for
Summary
SB115 amends Alabama’s impersonating-a-peace-officer statute to broaden the conduct covered by the offense. Under current law, a person commits the crime by falsely pretending to be a peace officer and acting in that capacity, or by serving as a peace officer while knowing they are ineligible or have had certification revoked or suspended. The bill adds a new offense for anyone who employs, appoints, or otherwise facilitates a person serving as a peace officer when they know that person is prohibited from serving.
The bill also clarifies the definition of “peace officer” to include certain federal officers or employees who are authorized by law to maintain public order or make arrests, whether that authority applies broadly or only to specific crimes. The offense remains a Class C felony, and the act takes effect on October 1, 2025.
Impact
SB115 expands criminal liability under Section 13A-10-11 of the Code of Alabama 1975 by reaching not only the person impersonating or unlawfully serving as a peace officer, but also those who knowingly place or keep a prohibited person in that role. The amendment may affect law enforcement agencies, appointing authorities, employers, and others involved in hiring or assigning peace officers, and it broadens the statute’s coverage to include certain federal officers within the definition of peace officer.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received favorably and without controversy in the recorded votes. It passed both chambers unanimously, including 31-0 in the Senate and 98-0 in the House, indicating broad bipartisan support for tightening the law against impersonation and unauthorized service as a peace officer.
Contention
No committee debate or recorded opposition is included in the available materials, and the roll-call votes show no dissent. The only notable policy issue reflected in the text is the expansion of liability to those who knowingly facilitate an ineligible person’s service as a peace officer, along with the broader definition of peace officer to include certain federal personnel; however, there is no evidence in the provided record that these changes were disputed.