The Arizona Rangers are a volunteer organization that provides civilian support for law enforcement. They are exempt from the state’s regulations for security guards — but the Arizona Senate has passed a bill to remove that exemption.
The measure was introduced after allegations came against the Rangers' leadership, claiming higher-ups misrepresented past experience and that they have not submitted training documentation to law enforcement.
Republican Sen. Mark Finchem sponsored the bill along with Sen. Wendy Rogers and now says there will be a House amendment to implement a watchdog for the group.
"This is about installing an oversight board external to the Rangers themselves so that we can see meaningful background checks, we can see meaningful accountability for training," Finchem said.
Members from both parties voted for and against the bill. It now goes to the House.
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