SB492 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Briarwood Presbyterian Church, authorized to hire certified law enforcement officers

Summary

Briarwood Presbyterian Church would be allowed to hire sworn police officers to protect its campus and ministries, with authority limited to church property.

What This Bill Does

The church's Board of Trustees can appoint and employ one or more police officers. These officers would have all the duties and powers of state law enforcement officers. They must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet its requirements, including continuing education. The officers' authority would be limited to Briarwood's campuses and properties.

Who It Affects

• Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its campus community (staff, members, and visitors), who may be protected by sworn officers on church property.
• Alabama's law enforcement framework and the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, which would certify and regulate the church's police officers and ensure ongoing training.

Key Provisions

• The Board of Trustees may appoint and employ one or more persons to act as police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.
• Police officers appointed under this act shall have all duties and powers of law enforcement officers in Alabama.
• Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and meet all its requirements, including continuing education.
• The authority of these officers is restricted to Briarwood Presbyterian Church campuses and properties.
• The act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement Officers