An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Criminal Impersonation.
The bill classifies criminal impersonation of law enforcement officials as a class E felony. However, if the impersonation involves causing physical injury or committing a serious crime during the act, it escalates to a class C felony. This change is designed to offer stronger deterrence against impersonation offenses, protecting both public safety and the integrity of law enforcement agencies from potential dangers posed by such deceptive practices.
House Bill 152 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 11 of the Delaware Code, specifically relating to criminal impersonation. This bill expands the scope of criminal impersonation offenses to include federal officers alongside existing provisions that cover police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The primary focus is to strengthen the legal frameworks against individuals impersonating officials to facilitate or flee from criminal activities.
Support for HB 152 appears robust among legislators who recognize the potential hazards of impersonation, particularly in an era where public trust in law enforcement is crucial. Proponents of the bill argue that this measure is essential to safeguard communities and uphold the authority of genuine law enforcement personnel. However, there might be concerns about the potential for overreach or misapplication of the law, especially regarding how impersonation claims are handled in practice.
Notable points of contention include the appropriate parameters for defining what constitutes impersonation and the possible implications for individuals mistakenly identified as offenders. The expansion of the law to include federal officers aims to address not only state concerns but also broader safety issues arising from impersonation cases that may involve federal jurisdiction. Stakeholders are keenly aware of the balance needed between effective law enforcement and protecting civil liberties.