Across the state, in communities large and small, public safety officers work hard to protect and serve all Hoosiers. As they put their lives on the line to prevent crime and keep us safe, they need equipment and supplies to do their important jobs.
These items come at cost. In the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the city of Seymour invested more than $200,000 to purchase and maintain their supplies and equipment. This session, I authored legislation that would provide an additional pathway to help police departments obtain needed equipment.
Currently, law enforcement agencies have options to dispose of confiscated firearms, including selling them to federally licensed firearm dealers, manufacturers and other law enforcement departments. With my legislation, departments could also trade these firearms with these entities in exchange for items like ammunition and defibrillators. This could help local departments save on time and costs. All trades would be kept in a public record, including what was traded, with whom and for what equipment.
This legislation would not impact current law allowing for firearms to be released to the state police department laboratory or other forensic laboratories to be used in trainings and research. The standard practice of holding confiscated firearms for at least 180 days before agencies decide how to dispose of them would also continue. During that time, police make reasonable attempts to return the property to owners, unless they are convicted of an offense related to misuse of the firearm.
In Indiana, we value our public safety officials, their lives, and the critical services they offer to our communities and citizens. With this legislation, now with the Indiana Senate for consideration, we can provide another avenue for police departments to get the vital equipment they need while saving tax dollars. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
All Hoosiers can help support state and local police departments in their missions, including Cops For Kids, Friends of the Indiana State Police Alliance and Fraternal Order of Police. Locally, the Seymour Police Department hosts a Jeep road rally to collect proceeds for its DARE program, and the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation provides support for surviving family members of Indiana police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. To get involved, visit indianafallen.org.
As the state representative for House District 69, please continue reaching out to me at h69@iga.in.gov or 317-234-9447 with input and questions. To our local police officers, thank you for protecting and serving all Hoosiers and our communities.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
