Legislation criminalizes harassing first responders engaged in their duties

State Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, today released the followings statement after the state House overwhelmingly approved his plan to protect first responders by expressly criminalizing harassing or unlawfully approaching first responders actively engaged in their duties after receiving a verbal warning not to approach:

“First responders enter chaotic, dangerous situations. Their focus must be on protecting lives and responding to crises, not responding to individuals who ignore instructions and interfere in emergency scenes. Our legislation creates a reasonable safety buffer by making it a crime to approach or harass a first responder actively performing their duties after receiving a clear verbal warning to stand back.

“A few seconds of distraction can make the difference between life and death. Whether an officer is attempting to apprehend a violent suspect, a firefighter is battling a structure fire, a paramedic is administering life-saving care, or a corrections officer is responding to a disturbance, unnecessary interference places both first responders and the public at greater risk.

“The penalties established in these bills are proportionate and increase when a violation results in injury or death. The goal is not punishment for its own sake; the goal is deterrence, accountability, and safety.”

###