Protecting those who protect us is a necessity to a well-rounded society.
Mississippi took a step in that direction with a new law that would double the penalties against people who intentionally harm law enforcement officers, firefighters or emergency workers. But is it enough and should the law go both ways with the few officers that are “bad eggs?”
Supporters said they filed the "Back the Badge Act" in response to the killings of police officers last year in Dallas and Baton Rouge last year. The House passed the final version of House Bill 645 with no debate last week, sending it to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant.
The action also came a day after two volunteer firefighters were struck by a vehicle and killed in the south Mississippi town of Sumrall.
Crimes against emergency personnel are way too common in the United States, so of course any action that punishes those who act against them is a no-brainer.
However, is it too much? The final version of the bill leaves the possibility of people being punished for protesting police behavior. It also raises concerns about harsh treatment of African-Americans by police officers.
While I am in support of the intent behind this bill, I also believe steps should be taken to protect the citizens on the occasion that an officer acts out of line.
The bill would expand the existing hate crimes law, which enhances penalties for crimes committed because of a victim's race, religion, national origin or gender. Current law says aggravated assault — a broad crime that generally covers violent attacks that don't kill a victim — is punishable by up to 20 years in prison for most cases, or 30 years if the victim is on a list that includes law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency workers. It was not immediately clear whether the penalty would be 40 years or 60 years under "Back the Badge."
Governor Phil Bryant is expected to sign the bill, which would become law July 1.
This all sounds like a good idea, but another bill that would also give harsher penalties to the “bad egg” officer needs to go along with it.
We have to protect everyone involved, our officers and those who are victims of police brutality.
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Joseph Brown is the editor and publisher of The Star-Herald. He can be reached at jbrown@starherald.net.
