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New attacks on police raise concern

With the number of deaths in the line of duty up 10 percent from last year, some lawmakers are considering further protections for their law enforcement officers.

In Texas, a new bill making its way through the state legislature would make attacking first responders a hate crime, therefore increasing the possible punishment.

Texas first called for legislation in July after five police officers were ambushed and killed in downtown Dallas, but after a San Antonio officer was ambushed while sitting in his vehicle writing a traffic citation this week and killed more heat is riding on the house bill.

Meanwhile, nationwide 58 police officer deaths were the result of gunfire so far this year according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, and there have been several other ambush shootings in recent months.

Three of Ohio’s five downed officers were the result of gunfire in 2016.

Sgt. Rhett Walters, of the Marietta Police Department, said he feels that similar legislation would be beneficial in Ohio as well as the rest of the nation.

“Given the climate of this date and time, it would be good for all states to adopt something like this,” said Walters. “Especially to protect officers in larger populations like the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo areas who face that hate directly.”

Walters said that while the issue is not as much of a concern locally, there are still assumed risks with taking on the profession.

“But to be hated just because of the uniform and have someone shoot, stab or attack you in some way, that’s in the realm of a hate crime,” he explained. “As a police officer you have expected dangers and risks, but at the end of the day I want to be able to go home to my family just like anyone else who chose another field.”

Ohio State Senator-elect Frank Hoagland agreed, saying the “utmost protection” should be given to first responders in every state.

“Regardless of what you want to call it, it’s still a crime,” said Hoagland. “Whether it’s an attack on a police officer, or anyone else because of their race or religion, punishment should be maxed out. There shouldn’t be any gray area.”

But before jumping to adopting a boilerplate legislation passed by another state, Hoagland said lawmakers should look at what would be the best policy for Ohio.

“I would like to see what parameters the legislation would entail,” he explained. “Then we can best determine the path for our state. But as a nation, we need to put the message out there that these crimes will not be tolerated and that there will be severe punishments.”

Julia James, 24, of Marietta, said she would support any legislative movement to protect not only police officers but also firefighters and EMS responders as well.

“If making it a hate crime would increase the punishment, that might help decrease the frequency,” she said. “This crazy hatred having to do with race and with backlash on police is insane and whatever could help stop that would be welcomed.”

George Henning, 94, of Marietta, echoed similar sentiments.

“We do need to protect those who protect us,” he said. “Stricter punishments are needed because even in a safe city like ours, that could turn very quickly.”

But for Ginny Buzzard, 84, of Marietta, the term “hate” is not the right description of these acts of violence.

“I think it’s really rebellion against authority, I don’t like the term ‘hate,'” she said. “But I think it would be a good idea to have a law with extra protection for them. It’s difficult to understand that animosity towards law enforcement when we live in such a safe community, but it happens and it needs to stop.”

At a glance

Ohio law enforcement violent deaths from 2000 to 2016:

¯ Gunfire: 27.

¯ Vehicular assault: 6.

¯ Stabbing: 0.

Source: Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.

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