by Staff Reporter | Feb 19, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
A legislative committee advanced a bill to take away some of Attorney General Kris Mayes’ authority over the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Monday.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) said in his committee explanation of the bill that Mayes’ recent “political theatrics” had “endangered” law enforcement officers, therefore justifying the existence of this legislation. Mayes said in a January interview that individuals had legal justification for shooting ICE and other law enforcement agents based on Arizona’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
In a press release, Montenegro said Mayes no longer deserved the responsibility of providing legal protection to DPS.
“Attorney General Mayes does not get to put officers at risk with reckless talk and then expect DPS to trust her office for legal protection,” said Montenegro. “The House censured her, and we are taking the next step. HB 2993 gives DPS the authority to hire counsel it trusts, without political strings attached. It also moves $5 million out of the Attorney General’s control and into GIITEM, the mission that targets gangs, cartels, and transnational criminals. Arizona is choosing officer safety and enforcement over Mayes’ political games.”
Nick Debus with the attorney general’s office wrote down their office’s opposition to the bill during the committee hearing on Monday, but did not appear to testify against the bill.
The bill passed along party lines, with Democrats against and Republicans for the proposed legislation. Those Democrats who explained their vote did not address the “why” behind the bill — Mayes’ provision of a legal defense for shooting law enforcement — but rather the taking of CPCF Funds from the attorney general’s office.
State Rep. Lorena Austin (D-LD9) said Montenegro’s bill was also political posturing by impeding the administration of another democratically elected official.
“I don’t think this is a way to instill trust in our public entities, I think when someone is doing a good job regarding consumer protections we should continue to let them do those things,” said Austin.
Likewise, Minority Whip Quanta Crews (D-LD26) expressed concerns that depleting the CPCF Fund would result in further harm to consumers. State Rep. Kevin Volk (D-LD17) said the current economic climate made this “tit for tat” legislation more harmful than helpful.
Republicans argued the legislation killed two birds with one stone: mitigating wasteful spending as illustrated by recent consumer fraud actions while freeing law enforcement of their reliance on an individual who had jeopardized their safety.
State Rep. John Gillette (R-LD30) said Mayes was guilty of “frivolous spending” related to consumer fraud actions. As an example, Gillette cited the consumer protection lawsuit filed last year against the Reynolds Corporation for its labeling on bags intended to collect recycling because they’re not suitable for recycling. Mayes’ press release on the lawsuit did acknowledge the bags came with a warning that they were not suitable for recycling but intended as temporary containers for sorting and collecting recyclable materials.
“We spent millions of dollars for this lawsuit to go absolutely nowhere. I can think of no better use of that money than to give it to law enforcement,” said Gillette. “Let’s get the drugs, the criminals, the bad people off the streets so we can live freely.”
State Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-LD3) said Mayes had created a “permission structure” for committing violence against law enforcement.
“When you’re telling people how to kill me and you’re going to let me get away with it, that’s not going to create that trust and confidence that’s necessary for effective representation,” said Kolodin.
The Arizona House passed a resolution censuring Mayes over her remarks on justified shootings earlier this month.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 9, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Arizona lawmakers are showing their appreciation for law enforcement after a fatal helicopter crash took the lives of two on-duty responders.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night when an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) helicopter crew lost control while dispatched to an active-shooter incident in Flagstaff.
The suspect in the active-shooter incident sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds and was apprehended.
The GOP-led Arizona House opened Thursday’s floor session with a moment of silence honoring the lives of the two lost. House Speaker Steve Montenegro expressed gratitude for Arizona’s law enforcement.
“These men served the people of Arizona with courage, with professionalism, and with quiet heroism. Every day, DPS personnel places themselves in harm’s way so that our communities can be safer,” said Montenegro.
State Sen. Kevin Payne, chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, stressed in a press release the importance of supporting law enforcement in the present climate.
“This tragic incident highlights just how challenging, unpredictable, and dangerous the job of law enforcement can be,” said Payne. “Our public safety professionals rush toward danger when others cannot, often putting themselves in harm’s way without a second thought. Today, we take a moment to recognize that sacrifice and honor the courage, dedication, and sense of duty that characterize those who serve.”
Gov. Katie Hobbs offered support to the ones left behind by the tragedy.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed his condolences.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers who gave their lives in the line of duty,” said Nygren. “Their ultimate sacrifice reflects unwavering commitment, courage, and dedication to protecting others. Their legacy of service will not be forgotten.”
On Friday, AZDPS identified the two fallen as Pilot Robert Skankey, 61, and trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett, 28.
Skankey served 22 years in the Marine Corps from 1988 to 2010, retiring as a lieutenant colonel before joining AZDPS in 2021. Skankey became aviation supervisor in 2024. He earned his master’s degree at Northern Arizona University.
He was an active member of his community: he founded the Kingman Young Marines nonprofit in 2015.
Skankey leaves behind a wife and four children.
Bennett joined AZDPS in 2022 as a top performer within his training academy, coming out at graduation with honors as class speaker. Prior to joining AZDPS, Bennett graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College.
Bennett leaves behind his high school sweetheart, whom he married in 2024.
The crash remains under active investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are working with AZDPS on identifying the cause of the crash.
In a press conference on Friday, AZDPS advised that it was “inappropriate and irresponsible to speculate” on the cause of the crash, apparently alluding to certain rumors spreading across social media of an intentional takedown of the helicopter. One of those rumors concerned a private drone.
When asked about the drone rumor, AZDPS again stated that speculation was irresponsible and that their investigation remained active.
No gunfire came from the AZDPS helicopter.
AZDPS shared that the aircraft involved in the crash went through a maintenance check a few days before the crash. It was not considered outdated or slated for replacement.
Civilian footage of the crash showed the helicopter drop noiselessly out of the sky.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 20, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Governor’s Office along with Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) are addressing the issue of growing concern nationwide of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers.
These deceptive acts not only undermine public trust with law enforcement officials, but they also jeopardize the safety of the community.
Under the Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2411, impersonating a police officer with the intent to deceive or induce compliance is a class 6 felony.
If committed during another felony, such as assault or theft, the offense escalates to a class 4 felony.
Director of AZDPS, Colonel Jeffrey Glover, said, “Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and threatens community safety. Our agency is committed to rigorously investigating and prosecuting anyone who falsely presents themselves as a peace officer. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the authority and image of law enforcement for criminal or deceptive purposes.”
Governor Katie Hobbs also affirmed this same belief by saying, “Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do. Impersonating them makes that job even tougher. It puts our officers in harm’s way, undermines public trust, and makes our communities less safe. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Governor’s office and AZDPS urge the public to remain vigilant and offer the following tips to identify and respond to potential impersonators:
- If driving, pull over in a well-lit, populated area.
- Request identification because legitimate officers carry authorized credentials identifying themselves and their agency.
- Call 911 to verify the encounter.
- Note details like vehicle type, license plate number, or badge number.
- Stay calm to ensure clear thinking and safe decision making.
Anybody who believes they have encountered a law enforcement impersonator is urged to report the incident to the local authorities immediately providing as much information as possible.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 14, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has announced the launch of a new statewide alert system aimed at helping law enforcement and the public quickly locate missing and endangered individuals under the age of 65. Known as the Turquoise Alert, the initiative officially went into effect on Thursday, July 10.
Created through House Bill 2281 and signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs on May 13, the alert system is formally named “Emily’s Law” in honor of Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe whose case helped spotlight the need for broader missing persons tools, particularly for Indigenous communities.
“The Turquoise Alert represents a vital step forward in protecting vulnerable individuals in our communities,” said AZDPS Director Colonel Jeffrey Glover. “By empowering the public with timely, actionable information, we can make a critical difference in locating those who are missing and bringing them home safely.”
The alert is designed for cases involving individuals under the age of 65 who have gone missing under suspicious or unexplained circumstances and are believed to be in danger. To trigger a Turquoise Alert, the following criteria must be met: the missing person is under 65 years old; local law enforcement has exhausted all available resources in the search; there is credible concern that the person is in danger or with a potentially dangerous individual; and authorities possess enough descriptive information to assist in the recovery effort.
Once activated, alerts will be broadcast across multiple platforms: Emergency Alert System (EAS); Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to cell phone; Highway signs via the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT); Social media accounts of the requesting law enforcement agency; the AZDPS Alerts website; and an All-Points Bulletin (APB) sent to law enforcement statewide.
Based on data from similar programs, AZDPS anticipates issuing 15 to 30 Turquoise Alerts per year, though that number could increase with expanded public awareness.
The new system adds to Arizona’s existing suite of public alerts, including the Amber Alert, for abducted children; Silver Alert, for missing seniors or those with cognitive impairments; and Blue Alert, for threats to law enforcement.
By establishing a dedicated framework for endangered adults under 65—many of whom previously fell outside the scope of other alert systems—state officials say the Turquoise Alert helps fill a critical public safety gap.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jun 16, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona House of Representatives passed a structurally balanced, conservative budget on Thursday, advancing a financial plan that focuses on strengthening public safety, reducing costs for families, and increasing government accountability.
Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) called the budget a reflection of voter priorities. “This budget delivers safe communities, strong families, and a government that works for the people — not the other way around,” he said. “It cuts tuition, raises pay for law enforcement, fixes critical roads, and reins in waste — all without raising taxes.”
Key components of the budget include a 5% pay raise for Department of Public Safety and corrections officers, $94 million for repairs to major highway infrastructure, and a 2.5% in-state university tuition reduction alongside a freeze for the subsequent two years. The budget also fully funds school choice programs and clears a backlog of Empowerment Scholarship Account applications.
Additional funding is designated to keep voter rolls accurate and up to date, fully fund payments for parents acting as caregivers, and provide developmental disability services. An expanded adoption tax deduction is also included.
“The House-passed budget puts the House Majority Plan into action,” Majority Leader Michael Carbone said. “We’re protecting opportunity by lowering costs for students and parents. We’re backing public safety with strong support for our law enforcement officers. And we’re holding government accountable by cutting waste and demanding better results — this is the kind of leadership Arizona voters asked for.”
Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter stressed the budget’s potential for boosting small business. “The House-passed budget gives long-overdue relief to Arizona’s small businesses by eliminating the administratively burdensome business personal property tax under the $500,000 threshold,” Carter said. “This helps local job creators grow, hire, and invest in their communities — and makes Arizona a more competitive place to do business.”
The budget package — HB2945 through HB2961 — now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
