In September of this year, the Arizona Rangers-Sun Lakes Company, was formally established by the Board of Governors of the Arizona Rangers. The formation of the Sun Lakes Company was a result of the hard work, persistence, and dogged determination of a former group of members of the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse.
The present-day Arizona Rangers-Sun Lakes Company, as well as the other 21 Arizona Ranger companies throughout the state, are authorized under Arizona Revised Statute 41-4201, which was signed by Governor Jane Hull on April 30, 2002. The Rangers’ primary mission is to provide a professional presence of armed and well-trained law enforcement auxiliary personnel to positively promote, preserve, and enhance a safe, secure, comfortable, and welcoming environment for the local residents. The Arizona Rangers, under the authority and with the approval of each homeowner’s association, assist the HOA Patrol chiefs, enforce community traffic and parking rules, maintain facility security, and conduct traffic control inside the gated communities for special events. Most importantly, the mere presence of Arizona Rangers’ driving marked vehicles in the Sun Lakes neighborhoods provides a strong, visual deterrent, discouraging criminal activity. In addition to providing a physical presence in the neighborhood, the Arizona Rangers are available to come to your group or organization to give a presentation on the Arizona Rangers, Internet security, ID theft, or home security.
Why are the Rangers armed, you might ask. Because they wear a uniform and a badge and, unfortunately, in our current environment, that makes them a target. Arizona Rangers are Arizona Police Officer Standard and Training (POST) qualified to carry weapons (pistols, rifles, and shotguns), defensive tools (collapsible batons and OC spray), and wear badges and approved Arizona Ranger uniforms while on duty. However, the Arizona Rangers do not possess any law enforcement or investigative powers that are not provided or established in law for all citizens of this state.