Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Stiffer penalties proposed for targeting cops

Posted at 5:55 PM, Aug 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-02 22:00:53-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Sen. Jim Merritt says he plans to draft a measure to toughen the penalties on people who harm off-duty police officers and their families.

The Republicans says the penalties are already greater under current state law for law enforcement officers harmed while on the job. But, he says, it's different when they're off the clock.

Merritt points to an Indianapolis man facing charges for firing 17 bullets into an IMPD officer's house and squad car.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Aaron Freeman (R) said he doesn't think people like that suspect who seek to harm officers face strong enough charges.

"The most, right now I believe, the prosecutor could bring against that assailant is a level 6 felony – the lowest level felony that he could get," Freeman said. "And I think in targeting a police officer, that's outrageous."

An IMPD assistant chief said this week that a growing number of his officers are parking their squad cars in their garages, and out of public view, while off-duty.

He said that's a change from when some would pour an extra slab at their home to make room in their driveway.

"For so many years, it was a point pride, and people looked at that police car in the driveway as a safety point," said the wife of an IMPD officer, who asked not to be named. "Obviously recently, that's not so much the case anymore."

No proposal is in writing yet, but Merritt plans to file something during the next legislative session. He says it will apply to all public safety officers, including firefighters and EMTs.