For Immediate Release
10/8/08

- Sen. Orie
- Sen. Rafferty

Senators Hail Legislature’s Passage of
Bill to Crack Down on Cop Killers

Three state Senators who have fought hard for tougher penalties for criminals who murder or assault police officers today hailed passage of legislation that will help to protect law enforcement officials.

Senators Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia), Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) and John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) said House passage of House Bill 1845 is a good first step toward reducing the danger that police officers face while taking violent criminals off the street.

The legislation, which Senator Rafferty initially introduced last year as Senate Bill 450, was amended yesterday and passed by the Senate and House today.  It now goes to the governor for his signature. 

The legislation would impose a sentence of death or life imprisonment on anyone convicted of killing a law enforcement officer. In addition, any person found guilty of assaulting a police officer with a firearm would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison.

Senator Stack, who worked with Orie and Rafferty to draft the Senate amendment, said the recent murder of a police officer in his district underscores the urgency of the issue.

“Our police officers have become target practice for gun-toting thugs who have a complete disregard for human life, and that's why we took action,” Stack said. “This bill sends a clear message: If you fire a weapon at a police officer, you’re going to jail for a long time.”

Four Philadelphia police officers were shot and killed while on duty in the last two-and-a-half years. All four — Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski and Officers Gary Skerski, Charles Cassidy and, most recently, Patrick McDonald — either lived or worked in the 5th Senatorial District.

Senator Rafferty, who has sponsored similar legislation in the past, said it is crucial that the House pass the measure before adjourning.

“We cannot and should not wait for another police officer to be gunned down to get these strengthened penalties on the book,” Rafferty said. “We owe it to our men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line each day, to provide the strongest protections possible.”

Senator Orie added that criminals need to know that they will face the harshest sanctions possible for shooting at a law enforcement official.

“This sends a message that we are on the side of our law enforcement officers, and we are going to put people away for a long time if they attempt to harm them,” Orie said. “Enough is enough – the Legislature needed to pass this bill now and get a tough new law on the books, before more police officers lose their lives.”
 

Contact:

Beth Rementer, Sen. Stack’s office
717-787-5166
Mark Meyer, Sen. Rafferty’s office
717-787-1398
Mike Sarfert, Sen. Orie’s office
717-787-6538

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