This legislation resulted from the death of a Mishawaka police officer and his patrol dog that were both killed by a drunk driver during a police chase in January 2010. The bill was supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney's Council and the Indiana Public Defender's Council. Under SB 170, if while on a police chase a driver causes an accident which would result in the death of a police officer, then the penalty for the crime would increase from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class A felony. The bill would also make the penalty for operating while intoxicated (OWI) resulting in the death of a law enforcement animal a Class D felony. In addition, SB 170 increases the penalty for leaving the scene of a traffic accident that results in injury or death from a class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony. A Class A felony is punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison, a Class B felony is punishable by six to 20 years in prison and a Class D felony is punishable by six months to three years in prison. "The deaths of the police officer and his patrol dog, shocked many people," Rep. Neese said. "It is important that we do whatever we can to protect police officers and their patrol dogs, as they protect our community daily." Rep. Neese has made a request of the governor's office to have ceremonial bill signing in his office to be attended by family members of the officer and law enforcement representatives. Rep. Neese has also requested that a ceremonial signing take place on Thursday, April 29, at the Mishawaka Police Department, when Governor Daniels will be in St. Joseph County. |
