In death penalty decisions, should we include the killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as a circumstance that increases the severity of a criminal act?
Bill Summary
This bill extends the federal criminal code to include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as a statutory aggravating factor (a circumstance that increases the severity of a criminal act) in death penalty decisions. Sponsor: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16].
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Opponents say
• This is an unnecessary expansion of the federal death penalty. Congress should focus on advancing police reforms that are supported by both law enforcement and the communities they serve, not some “misguided ‘law and order’ agenda”.
• This bill seeks to worsen racial disparities in a troubled justice system that already has multiple federal and state laws that impose serious penalties on those who commit crimes against law enforcement.
• This bill seeks to worsen racial disparities in a troubled justice system that already has multiple federal and state laws that impose serious penalties on those who commit crimes against law enforcement.
Proponents say
• Congress should do everything it can to protect police officers and first responders, namely by holding those who target law enforcement officers accountable.
• State and local police officers should be included and protected under the federal criminal code as they often serve in federal anti-drug and anti-terrorism task forces.
• State and local police officers should be included and protected under the federal criminal code as they often serve in federal anti-drug and anti-terrorism task forces.
