BOSCOLA BILL TO PROTECT POLICE OFFICERS PASSES SENATE, SENT TO GOVERNOR

HARRISBURG (JUL 5) – Legislation that would make it a felony to try to take away a police officer’s weapon passed the State Senate late last week and will go to the Governor to be signed into law. 

Sponsored by Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh/Monroe), the bill would make disarming or attempting to disarm a police officer a distinct felony offense under the state Crimes Code.  The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 50-0. 

“Law enforcement officers face grave risks every day in the line of duty,” Boscola said.  “But, there is no greater threat than when a suspect attempts to take an officer's weapon. 

“Whenever a suspect tries to take away a police officer’s gun and use it against him, it suddenly and dramatically raises the level of risk for the officer and for innocent bystanders.  This bill will help protect the lives of those law enforcement officers who protect us,” she said.

Local, state and national law enforcement organizations all supported Boscola’s proposal.  The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing 40,000 law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth, lobbied state lawmakers to help secure passage of the measure. 

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America – the nation’s largest coalition of law enforcement officers, crime victims and concerned citizens – also endorsed the measure. 

“Most state laws treat disarming an officer as no more serious than resisting arrest,” Boscola said.  “But, these situations endanger the lives of police officers and innocent bystanders.  My proposal provides a real-world solution to the threats police officers face every single day.” 

Locally, the City of Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem Township Police Department and the Pen Argyl Police Department were strong advocates for Boscola’s legislation.  In fact, the Chief of Police in Pen Argyl told her one of his officers had struggled with a suspect who tried to disarm him.

Boscola’s bill makes it a 3^rd degree felony to disarm or try to disarm a law enforcement officer or a corrections officer.  A 3^rd degree felony offense is punishable by a maximum fine of $15,000 and seven years in prison.

The bill now goes to Governor Ed Rendell to be signed into law.  According to Boscola, 14 other states have already passed laws to criminalize disarming a law enforcement officer.  Several other states are considering similar legislation.

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