ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM-18) - A law under discussion in New York State would make it a felony to harass or annoy police officers by physically contacting them.
Elmira’s Police Chief said his officers work a dangerous job. Monday, a new law being considered by New York State would make it a felony to annoy or harass officers by making physical contact with them.
"People fight with you; or when you’re trying to arrest one person, someone else will jump into the fray,” said Elmira Police Chief Michael Robertson. “They try to shove the police officer and prevent that arrest. So now, instead of looking at misdemeanor crimes, that person would face a felony."
Robertson said the wording is very similar to the current harassment law, which is a misdemeanor.
The new law being discussed Monday reads as follows:
"When, with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a person whom he or she knows or reasonably should know to be a police officer or peace officer engaged in the course of performing his or her official duties, he or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects such person to physical contact."
Read a copy of the law here.
The law has passed the senate and been sent to the assembly. Still, some people were concerned about the law giving police too much power, especially in protest situations, such as the “Occupy Wall Street” protests in New York City.
”Of course there's the option for it to be taken out of context, but we have to make sure (Police) are accountable for upholding the law as it was intended,” said Jessica Dunn of Ithaca.
"I don't think I'm worried about it,” said Hope Swarts of Dundee. “As long as the police officers don't go overboard with it, then it would be okay."
"The law clearly says with intent,” said Chief Robertson. “With intent to annoy, harm or harass a police officer. So, it's definitely with intent. Accidentally bumping a police officer is not intent."
Many in the Southern Tier agreed with Robertson's advice to just let police do their jobs.
“I don't think police officers should be harassed anyway,” said Norbert Miller in Elmira. >
This change would apply if the police officer is not injured. Injuring a police officer is already a felony of assault.
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