Connecticut House Bill HB05677

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/17
• Refer: 1/13/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Penalty For Assault Of An Off-duty Police Officer.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05677 will modify section 53a-167c of the general statutes, which currently addresses the assault of police officers. The enhancement of penalties for assaults on off-duty officers will signify a legislative shift in recognizing their status and the potential threats they face. Stakeholders in law enforcement, including police unions and advocacy groups, may view this bill as a significant step toward improving officer safety. However, it may also lead to discussions about the implications of such measures on community relations and the balance of law enforcement powers.

Summary

House Bill 05677 proposes an amendment to existing legal provisions concerning the penalties for assaulting off-duty police officers. The key objective of the bill is to establish an enhanced penalty specifically for assaults against off-duty officers who are reasonably identifiable. This amendment is grounded in the intent to offer additional protections to law enforcement personnel outside their regular duties, recognizing the unique risks they may face even when not actively engaged in policing. The introduction of this bill reflects a growing concern over the safety of police officers and aims to deter potential assaults through stricter punitive measures.

Contention

As with many legislative measures concerning law enforcement, HB 05677 may provoke debate regarding the extent of protection that should be afforded to off-duty officers versus the impact on civil liberties. Opponents of enhanced penalties may argue that it could lead to disproportionate responses to minor offenses, raising concerns about fairness in the application of the law. Additionally, there are implications for public perception of policing and community trust, which could arise from perceived favoritism or bias in how the law treats assaults against police versus assaults against civilians.