Governor Kay Ivey has signed a new law tightening the definition of police impersonation in Alabama. Senate Bill 115, known as the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act, was signed into law on March 21, as part of the governor’s ongoing Safe Alabama public safety initiative.
The new law expands upon existing statutes that already make impersonating a police officer a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Under SB115, it will now also be a crime to knowingly accept a position as a law enforcement officer if the individual is ineligible under state law or if their certification has been suspended or revoked by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.
“Safeguarding the law enforcement profession is just plain common sense, and bolstering the existing law here adds one more tool in our toolbox,” Ivey said in a press release. “Every Alabamian deserves to know that the men and women entrusted with enforcing our laws are fully qualified and properly certified.”
State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and State Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Tuscaloosa) sponsored the bill. Supporters say it closes a legal loophole that could otherwise allow unqualified individuals to serve in official law enforcement roles.
The Officer Impersonation Prevention Act will take effect on October 1, 2025.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.
