Broome Legislators to Revisit First Responders Protection Act

The Broome County Legislature December 19 is scheduled to take another look at a proposal that drew dozens of protesters and resulted in a handful of arrests at last month’s regular meeting.

The First Responders Protection Act that could bring charges against people who harass or annoy law enforcement, medical crews or firefighters while on the scene of an incident was held over to consider an amendment to the wording of the measure.

Demonstrators with Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow or “PLOT” had said police being allowed to arrest people who annoy them opens the door to an abuse of power and mistreatment of citizens.

Others have questioned the need for the legislation given statutes that are currently on the books on the state and federal levels.

On a similar note, the legislature is scheduled to vote on a resolution in support of the Community Heroes’ Protection bill that has been proposed by New York State Senator Fred Ackshar, who is, himself, a law enforcement officer and former Deputy Broome County Sheriff.

The Legislature meets December 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chamber, 6^th Floor, Edwin L. Crawford County Office Building on Hawley Street, Binghamton.