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SB 565

Peace Officers; the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; revise

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Albers and 4 co-sponsors

Georgia bill expands "peace officer" definition to include private nonprofit college police, granting them law enforcement authority equivalent to municipal officers.

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Bill Summary · SB 565

Legislative bill overview

SB 565 expands Georgia's legal definition of "peace officer" and "law enforcement unit" to include armed police forces employed by nonprofit private colleges and universities. This would grant these campus security personnel the same legal authority, training requirements, and protections as municipal and county law enforcement officers.

Why is this important

This change directly affects how campus security operates at private nonprofit institutions, potentially giving them expanded arrest authority and qualified immunity protections. It also impacts students, faculty, and visitors at these campuses who would be subject to peace officer authority rather than private security protocols, and influences liability and training standards for these institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability and oversight: Private institution police forces may lack the same public oversight mechanisms as municipal police departments, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in use-of-force incidents
  • Training and qualification standards: Unclear whether private college police would be required to meet identical POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) standards as other peace officers, or if Georgia is creating a different tier
  • Qualified immunity expansion: Granting peace officer status extends qualified immunity protections to private institution employees, potentially limiting civil liability recourse for affected individuals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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