Governor Abbott announces Police Protection Act

AUSTIN, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott today announced an effort to strengthen penalties for crimes committed against law enforcement officers – the Police Protection Act.

“At a time when law enforcement officers increasingly come under assault simply because of the job they hold, Texas must send a resolute message that the State will stand by the men and women who serve and protect our communities,” said Governor Abbott.

The proposal is punctuated by making it a hate crime for anyone to commit a crime against a law enforcement officer out of bias against the police. The Governor will request the Texas legislature to pass the Police Protection Act in the 2017 legislative session.

“While our state and the nation continue to mourn the heroes lost in Dallas, it is time for us to unite as Texans to say no more,” Governor Abbott continued. “The men and women in uniform risk their lives every day to protect the public, and it is time we show them the State of Texas has their back. Texas will no longer tolerate disrespect for those who serve, and it must be made clear to anyone targeting our law enforcement officials that their actions will be met with severe justice.”

Governor Abbott’s Police Protection Act includes the following proposals:

• Extend hate crime protections to law enforcement officers;
• Increase criminal penalties for any crime in which the victim is a law enforcement officer, whether or not the crime qualifies as a hate crime;
• Create a culture of respect for law enforcement by organizing a campaign to educate young Texans on the value law enforcement officers bring to their communities;

For example, under current law, assault with bodily injury is generally punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, while assault on a public servant, including a law enforcement officer, is a 3rd degree felony. Under Governor Abbott’s proposal, in cases where the assault is on a law enforcement officer, the penalty would increase to a 2nd degree felony.

“The recent shooting in Dallas is not the first time law enforcement officers in Texas have been targeted. Our goal is to do everything possible to make it the last,” added Governor Abbott.

Law enforcement organizations in Texas offered the following statements in response to Governor Abbott’s Police Protection Act:

"As a 26-plus year police officer in Houston, I’m extremely encouraged by Governor Greg Abbott’s legislative priority to make the State of Texas a national leader in protecting the lives of law enforcement officers. The attacks on law enforcement in Texas and the rest of our nation are unprecedented. Governor Abbott’s solution is the right approach for Texas law enforcement officers and the people of Texas who support them.” – Ray Hunt, President, Houston Police Officers Association

"We applaud Governor Abbott for recognizing the importance of protecting law enforcement officers in the state of Texas. False narratives and irresponsible anti-police rhetoric have put our officers in greater danger than ever before. This is an important step toward protecting those who protect the citizens of this great state." – Kevin Lawrence, Executive Director, Texas Municipal Police Association

“The Dallas Police Association applauds Governor Abbott’s bold plan in response to the recent wave of attacks on police officers. Now is the time for our elected leaders across our state and country to do the right thing and join our Governor in his call to better protect police officers.” – Ron Pinkston, President, Dallas Police Association

"The Sheriff's Association of Texas is very pleased to hear our Governor is behind an effort to protect peace officers across our state. Every Texas Sheriff feels this should be a precedent for the leadership in other states to follow, and we support our Governor. We look forward to working with the Governor during the 2017 legislative session to pass these important protections." – Grimes County Sheriff Donald Sowell, President, The Sheriff's Association of Texas

NOTE:

The proposal of the Police Protection Act comes a day after three Baton Rouge police officers were killed and another four were wounded, which occurred ten days after five Dallas police officers were killed and seven wounded. In Texas an individual can be tried for capital murder when the victim is a peace officer or fireman who was acting under lawful duty at the time of the crime. The measure would increase criminal penalties for any crimes in which the victim is a law enforcement officer.

Abbott's proposal comes after U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, introduced legislation on Wednesday that would make killing a police officer a federal crime. Under that federal proposal, someone who killed or conspired or attempted to kill a public safety officer, a federally funded law enforcement officer, or a federal judge, would be eligible for the death penalty as well as a mandatory minimum 30-year-sentence for murder and 10 years for attempted murder, according to Cornyn's office. Cornyn's bill also would create additional federal crimes for fleeing a state to avoid prosecution for such offenses or for assaulting an officer.

It's hopeful that the rest of the nation will follow Texas' lead by strenghtening their laws to protect those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public.

In a show of solidarity and support of law enforcement officers, the public congregated at the Conroe Police Station Monday, for a prayer vigil. The event served a twofold purpose, to pray for the soles of the police offers recently killed in the line of duty, and for the safekeeping of those who will continue serve and protect. Another event is planned, Tuesday, July 19 at the Precinct 3 Constables office located at 1520 Lake Front Circle in The Woodlands.