State Reps. Ryan Berman, Brandt Iden and Jeff Yaroch have introduced a plan to stiffen penalties for criminals who threaten or carry out targeted attacks on first responders and corrections officers in Michigan.
Berman, who serves as a reserve police officer, said attacks on law enforcement officers and other first responders have increased over the past few years, creating a need for stronger protections.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line each and every day to protect the public,” said Berman, of Commerce Township. “It’s upsetting to think anyone would become a target just because of the uniform they wear, but that’s the unfortunate reality for too many of our emergency personnel.”
The new legislation would protect law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel by providing additional deterrents against crime. Under the plan, anyone who is found to have committed a violent felony targeting a first responder would be subject to two additional years in prison, served consecutively with any other penalties.