Will Crocker
BOSTON – A local representative is working to increase penalties for assaulting police officers.
Second Barnstable District State Representative Will Crocker testified this week before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary supporting his bill, which would turn the second offense of assault and battery on law enforcement officers from a misdemeanor to a felony.
“We just need to be able to protect the men and women who put on these uniforms every single day – go out there and risk their lives every single day,” Crocker said.
The bill, H. 749, would carry a penalty of no more than 5 years in prison, if passed.
“This is a situation where they can ultimately lose their lives or be very badly beaten up and we just need more protection from them,” Crocker said.
Current laws carry a felony charge for assaulting a police dog or horse.
Crocker was approached by Yarmouth Chief of Police Frank Frederickson shortly after he was elected as a state representative to consider filing the legislation.
Chief Frederickson and other police officers from around the state offered written testimony to the joint committee in support of the bill.
Crocker said several members of the committee, including a former police chief, praised the bill.
“I think I have a couple other members of the committee on my side and I have a good feeling about it,” Crocker said.
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
