LUPINACCI PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT NEW YORK STATE'S POLICE OFFICERS

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) announced today that he will be introducing legislation that protects New York State’s police officers from violent crimes. If passed, this legislation would implement tougher penalties for criminals who act violently against a law enforcement officer and furthermore consider these acts “hate crimes.”
“Over recent months, we have witnessed what some have called an ‘open season’ on police officers. This is as unacceptable as it is disturbing. Police officers throughout New York State put their lives on the line daily to enforce the law and protect each member of the community. It is time that the New York State Legislature passes laws which return the favor, by considering any violent crime against a member of the police force a ‘hate crime’,” Lupinacci said in a statement early Monday morning.
“This new piece of legislation would demand a new approach towards the prosecution of crimes against law enforcement officers. In the instance that a criminal commits a violent act against a member of the police force, then that violent offender should be subject to the full punishment of the law in accordance with the current statute of a ‘hate crime’,” Lupinacci continued.
In New York State, a hate crime is defined as an act of violence against a person because of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. This legislation would expand this definition to include occupation, particularly law enforcement officers.
“There should be no hesitation from my Assembly colleagues to address this issue and take appropriate action to protect our police officers in the line of duty. New York is fortunate to have some of the bravest and most skilled police officers in the nation, and it is important that we protect them each time they put on their uniform to protect us, our children and our families,” concluded Lupinacci.
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