In 2022, the former Governor of Arizona, Douglas Ducey, enacted a law allowing for shared criminal jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).
This law fosters collaboration with various military facilities across the continent.
Before this change, YPG police could only issue DD Form 1408 citations. Now, they are authorized to issue Central Violation Bureau (CVB) citations instead.
After a transitional period where DD Form 1408s were still issued, the new CVB citations are set to take effect on May 31, 2025. This introduces more significant consequences for violations such as speeding, illegal dumping, and trespassing at YPG.
Besides facing potential financial penalties from these citations, individuals cited for traffic violations may also have their driving privileges on base suspended or revoked by the YPG commander.
There are notable differences with CVB citations compared to previous fines.
“Unlike the 1408s, a citation from the Central Violation Bureau will also be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your auto insurance provider,” noted YPG Police Chief Donnie Lucas.
The new law also heightens penalties for trespassing within the YPG testing range.
Lucas explained, “If someone unintentionally crosses into YPG boundaries and hasn’t been ticketed before, they may receive a warning. However, repeated offenses will result in citations, which could lead to fines or a case with a federal magistrate. This gives us the necessary authority to deter trespassing and speeding effectively.”
Additionally, illegal dumping will incur financial penalties without initial warning citations.
YPG police are mainly focused on the deterrent effect of these financial penalties rather than on collecting fines.
“The penalties are largely dictated by the Central Violation Bureau, although there is some flexibility for local command,” said Lucas. “Importantly, YPG will not profit from these fines.”
Lucas expressed that the shared jurisdiction is a beneficial enhancement for ensuring the security of YPG. Federal law enforcement agencies can now issue CVB citations; if Arizona Department of Public Safety or Yuma County Sheriff’s deputies observe any suspicious activities on YPG property or patrol Highway 95, they can now enforce violations.
“This allows agencies like the Bureau of Land Management or Arizona Game and Fish to come onto the installation and issue citations on our behalf,” Lucas added. “It’s important to clarify that the authority of YPG police does not extend beyond YPG, but that of these agencies does.”
