Indianapolis – February 29, 2024. Arizona House Bill 2120 would prohibit municipalities within the state from defunding police departments in most instances. The bill was introduced this past January by Rep. David Marshall (07) and is co-sponsored by Reps. Selina Bliss (01) and Laurin Hendrix (14). It passed in the Arizona House in February and is now in the Arizona Senate for consideration. The bill’s text can be found here.
Reducing a police budget, especially in an environment where agencies are rebounding from, and still struggling with staffing issues, can have devastating effects. Understaffed police departments translate to longer response times and to fewer officers available to investigate and solve crimes and provide services to crime victims. Vital initiatives like proactive policing, community policing, and special victim units risk being deprioritized, reduced, and abandoned.
This bill prohibits a municipality -city or town- from reducing its annual police department’s operating budget below the budget of the previous year. Government units experiencing financial hardship or whose police budget increased the year prior due to a one-time operating expense would be exempt.
Any municipality that reduces its police budget would be obligated to notify the state treasurer. If the exceptions aren’t met, the treasurer would withhold state funds equal to the amount of the reduction until the municipality restores its police budget.
A sound police budget -which may necessitate an increase- is critical to maintaining the levels of service residents deserve and expect. The majority of a police department’s budget is allocated for officer salaries and benefits, including raises that keep pace with inflation and competitive salaries to attract high-caliber candidates. Added expenses include officer overtime, which can stem from staffing shortages; and hiring bonuses to encourage applicants.
The defunding issue isn’t only about the financial aspects. “Defunding the police has become synonymous with disdain for law enforcement. This sentiment, coupled with other anti-police acts like the zealous prosecution of police officers and attempts to eradicate qualified immunity have severely impacted police morale,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. H.B. 2120 was crafted as a pre-emptive measure so that there is a policy in place before issues can occur.
Attempts to divert money from police agencies can re-surface at any time, without notice. “This bill would ensure that police departments can maintain adequate staffing levels moving forward regardless of a city’s politics,” Fitzsimmons added.
We thank Rep. Marshall for introducing this thoughtful bill and encourage the Arizona Senate to promptly pass it.
About The National Police Association: The National Police Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit Educational/Advocacy organization. For additional information visit NationalPolice.org
###
