Judiciary Committee Moves Legislation to Notify Public of Wanted Suspects in Injury, Death of Law Enforcement Officer
HARRISBURG – House Judiciary Committee Majority Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) was pleased that legislation to create the Pennsylvania Officer Down Advisory to quickly notify the public of a suspect wanted for involvement in a serious injury to a law enforcement officer was passed today during the Judiciary Committee’s scheduled weekly voting meeting.
“We want to do everything we can to help law enforcement capture serious criminals who are suspected to be involved in the injury or death of a law enforcement officer. This is, obviously, a very serious grievance,” said Marsico. “The least we can do is maintain the public’s safety during the time these suspects are at large and, at the same time, use the public to potentially assist us in putting these bad guys away.”
House Bill 97 would require the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to establish and maintain the Pennsylvania Officer Down Advisory. The advisory system would be designed to notify the general public and law enforcement agencies of suspects who kill or seriously injure law enforcement officers in order for these suspects to be more readily apprehended. The PSP would be charged with establishing procedures and protocols for administering the advisory and the education of local law enforcement agencies and the public on its availability.
The advisory may be enacted when:
• A law enforcement officer has been killed or seriously injured by a suspect.
• The investigating agency determines the suspect poses a serious risk to the public or other law enforcement.
• A detailed description of the make and model of the suspect’s vehicle or a complete or partial registration plate number is available for broadcast.
• The investigating agency recommends activation of the advisory.
“I simply cannot say enough about the bravery and courage of our law enforcement officers,” said Marsico. “We, as Pennsylvanians, are so fortunate to have such people protecting our communities, and we must continue to do all we can to support them in their constant endeavors of keeping us safe. I feel this legislation does just that.”
In addition to House Bill 97, several other bills moved through the committee today, including:
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House Bill 235, which would create special penalties for impersonating a law enforcement officer and differentiates a law enforcement officer from other public servants.
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House Bill 308, which would allow a former or retired justice, judge or magisterial district judge who has not served a full term to perform a marriage ceremony.
•
Senate Bill 397, which would provide for uniform, statewide rules for operating as a bail bondsmen.
•
Senate Bill 485, which would increase the penalties for impersonating a doctor.
The legislation will now go to the House floor for further consideration
Representative Ronald Marsico
105th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RonMarsico.com
Media Contact: Autumn R. Southard, 717.652.3721
asouthar@pahousegop.com