Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has until Monday to decide whether to sign or veto a bill requiring state agencies to keep confidential for 60 days the identities of law enforcement officers involved in deadly or serious shootings, reports the New York Times.
The bill, which passed the State Senate by a large margin on Tuesday, follows what supporters said were threats against Arizona officers after two recent shootings as well as concerns raised by events in Ferguson, Mo., where Officer Darren Wilson fled his home after being identified as the officer who shot an unarmed black teenager.
After Ferguson, the issue of officer identification has become "one of the most emotional issues in American policing," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which conducts research on law enforcement policy and convenes meetings of police leaders.
The Arizona bill has stirred passionate debate in the state. Its proponents, including many police officers, say it will protect officers and their families from harassment or death threats. Opponents call it an unnecessary step that will deepen suspicion of the police among minority groups.
The governor, a Republican, is reviewing the legislation, a spokesman said on Wednesday.