Arizona Enacts New Law Protecting Businesses That Call 911

When an emergency occurs, every second counts. The last thing anyone should have to consider during a crisis is whether calling the police will result in a penalty imposed by the local government. That is why SB 1271, Arizona’s new law ensuring that businesses are not punished for making legitimate calls for help, is so important.

Access to emergency services is one of the fundamental reasons Arizonans pay taxes. Whether a business owner is reporting a theft, seeking help during a violent confrontation, or requesting assistance after property has been damaged, the ability to depend on law enforcement and emergency responders is essential to a safe and properly functioning community. That principle does not disappear simply because the crime involves retail theft.

Fortunately, Arizona has enacted SB 1271, sponsored by state Sen. David Gowan, which clarifies that cities cannot threaten or penalize businesses for requesting emergency services. The new law does not create new crimes or force law-enforcement agencies to respond to every call in the same manner. It also does not protect malicious, knowingly false, or frivolous requests for assistance. It simply reassures business owners that they will not be punished for making legitimate calls for help.

Some municipalities may not believe that pursuing retail theft is worth the time or resources. But Arizonans need only look around the country to see the consequences of allowing property crime to go unchecked. When criminals know they are unlikely to face consequences, they become more willing to offend again. Failing to report a crime does not make criminal activity disappear. It merely conceals the problem while allowing it to worsen.

No Arizonan should hesitate to make a legitimate request for emergency assistance out of fear of retaliation from the local government their taxes support. SB 1271 is an important clarification that gives Arizona businesses, their employees, and their customers peace of mind, ensuring that they can rely on critical public-safety services in their communities.