Senate Majority Leader Flanagan Announces Senate Passage of Legislation To Protect Police Officers

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation (S5598), sponsored by Senator Michael Nozzolio (54^th Senate District), that would establish the new crime of inciting violence against a police officer. 

Under the terms of the legislation, any person who advocates violence against one or more police personnel with the intent to incite or produce violence would be guilty of this new crime.  Any individual convicted of this crime would be guilty of a class D felony and subject to a prison term of up to seven years. 

“Those who put their lives on the line every day for our safety should know that our state laws are designed to support them as they undertake their dangerous mission on our behalf.  I commend Senator Nozzolio for his work on this important issue and look forward to working with all of my colleagues to ensure that our police men and women are protected,” stated Senate Majority Leader Flanagan.        

Senator Nozzolio, Chairman of the Senate Codes Committee, said, “We will not tolerate the senseless and cowardly acts of violence against our police officers as they put their lives on the line every day to protect us. We have seen a surge in violent crimes against on-duty police officers so ensuring their safety has never been more important. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen New York’s criminal justice laws.”

This legislation is a result of the input received during a series of public hearings held by the Senate Majority last year.  The hearings examined police safety and public protection in New York City and throughout the state.

The legislation is now in the Assembly awaiting approval.