A Church Police Force?

A church in Alabama is trying to get the state to allow them to hire their own police department. Briarwood Presbyterian Church which has a large congregation, two private schools and a radio station says they need their own police department to protect their properties. In the past the church like many others across the country hires off duty local officers to work their events but say there's not enough to fill their needs.

Those against the bill are afraid that it would give the church the same role as the government. The church responds by saying their police force would be similar to the PD's you see at colleges across the country where they don't have their own jail or dispatch center but work closely with the local departments.

The bill which would allow the church to start their own police department has passed the house and just waiting for the governor's signature. So far no word from the governor as to what he plans to do.