Senator Gallivan Sponsors Legislation Requiring Life in Prison Without Parole for Convicted Cop Killers

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is sponsoring legislation (S.8176) to make life in prison without parole mandatory for defendants convicted of killing a police officer, peace officer, first responder or correctional officer.  If approved, the law would apply in cases where the individual is convicted of first or second-degree murder.

"As a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, I know firsthand how law enforcement officers and other first responders risk their lives to protect our communities,” Senator Gallivan said.  “An attack on these brave men and women represents an attack on the community at large and our rule of law and order.  Any individual who is convicted of murdering a police officer, peace officer, corrections officer or first responder must be held accountable and should never be eligible for parole."  

The legislation would amend the state’s penal law to ensure justice is served in cases where a first responder is murdered.

The legislation is sponsored in the State Assembly by Assemblyman Michael Lawler of Rockland County.