Connecticut House Bill HB05814

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Increasing The Penalty For Assaulting A Police Officer.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5814 would have direct implications for state laws concerning the treatment of assault cases against law enforcement officers. By raising the penalties, the bill intends to send a clear message about the seriousness of such crimes and the state's commitment to protecting its police force. Supporters of the bill may argue that enhanced penalties are necessary to safeguard police officers who are often placed in dangerous situations while enforcing the law.

Summary

House Bill 5814 is designed to address the penalties associated with assaulting a police officer. The primary aim of the bill is to amend existing legislation under section 53a-167c of the general statutes, thus increasing the penalties for individuals who intentionally assault police officers while they are performing their duties. This legislative move reflects a growing concern regarding the safety of law enforcement personnel and aims to deter assaults against officers by imposing stricter consequences.

Contention

While the bill focuses on increasing penalties as a deterrent, there may be concerns surrounding the effectiveness of heightened penalties in actual practice. Critics might argue that simply increasing penalties does not address the underlying issues that lead to violence against police. Furthermore, there may be fears that harsher penalties could disproportionately affect certain communities or lead to over-policing in some areas, thereby inadvertently escalating tensions between law enforcement and the public.