SB193 was passed by the Alabama Senate on April 11th.
It would allow Briarwood Presbyterian Church to “…appoint and employ one or more persons to act as police officers to protect the safety and integrity of the church and its ministries.”
The church’s officers would function as regular police officers, but only on the grounds of the church.
They would have to be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, required to do continuing education, and be “…charged with all of the duties and invested with all of the powers of law enforcement officers in this state.”
As reported by the Associated Press, the church says it needs its own police officers to keep its school as well as its more than 4,000 person congregation safe.
