Senate Passes Bill to Make It a Crime to Incite Violence Against Police Officers

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) says the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S5598) that would establish the new crime of inciting violence against a police officer. In recent years, there has been an increase in violent crimes committed against police officers and this measure would help prevent individuals from deliberately inciting violence targeting law enforcement by creating a new class D felony.

“Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” Gallivan said.  “We need to do all we can to ensure their safety and make sure there are adequate laws on the books to punish those who would target law enforcement.”

Gallivan, a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, co-sponsored the bill in the Senate.  The legislation is a result of the input received during a series of public hearings held by the Senate Majority last year which examined police safety and public protection in New York City and throughout the state.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

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