STATEHOUSE (Jan. 21, 2020) — The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in favor of State Rep. Doug Miller’s (R-Elkhart) legislation that would help firefighters protect crime scenes from individuals deliberately tampering with evidence or interfering with an officer’s official duty.
Miller said the proposal would penalize individuals for entering a crime scene that is marked off with barrier tape or interfering with the work of firefighters. Last year, Miller authored a law making intentionally interfering with law enforcement a crime, but it does not apply to firefighters. He said this tool could also be used by firefighters to help protect crime scenes they arrive to before police.
“If someone actively prevents a public safety official from doing their job properly while at the scene of a crime, it can create huge problems, including destroyed evidence, which can lead to whole cases being thrown out,” Miller said. “Ensuring fire scenes have protections will help firefighters not only isolate the site but also keep people safe and away from dangerous areas.”
According to Miller, the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana and the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police all support this legislation.
House Bill 1032 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) presents his legislation to the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse that would help firefighters protect crime scenes from individuals deliberately tampering with evidence, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. The proposal can now be considered by the Senate.
