Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Shielding Names of Officers Involved in Shootings

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Oliver Darcy.

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PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has vetoed legislation requiring law enforcement agencies to keep the names of officers involved in shootings secret for two months.

The legislation was inspired by a deadly police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, and other similar incidents around the country. The American Civil Liberties Union says Arizona appears to be the only state in the country to approve new rules that limit the release of officer names in shootings.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey arrives to a news conference at the Capitol in Phoenix on Feb. 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Ducey's decision to veto the bill Monday came amid pressure from police chiefs to nix the legislation. They believe the proposal would hamper their ability to manage complex police-community relations. Civil rights groups and media organizations also opposed the measure and urged the Republican governor to use his veto stamp.

Police unions supported the bill, saying it will give time for investigations to play out. They have called it a common-sense measure that will ensure officer safety.

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