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California Government Code Section 1031 and 1031.5 states that a peace officer shall be a citizen
of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
- Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall diligently
cooperate with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the processing of his
or her application for citizenship and shall be disqualified from holding that position
if, three years after the filing of an application for employment, the person has not
obtained citizenship due to failure to cooperate in the process of the application for
citizenship.
- Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall
be disqualified from holding that position if his or her application for citizenship is denied.
Information on obtaining citizenship can be found on the U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services website.
Additional Requirements:
A peace officer with the California Highway Patrol, per Vehicle Code 2267, must be a U.S. citizen at the
time of appointment. Government Code Section 24103 stipulates that California deputy sheriffs and
deputy marshals must also be “citizens of the state” (i.e., California residents).
However, recently-passed legislation (SB 1241) repeals this additional requirement as of January 1, 2007.
Questions about peace officer citizenship requirements may be directed to
your regional consultant.
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