A bill that would make it a crime to harass first responders on the job in Florida awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature after approval by the state Legislature.
Senate Bill 184 would allow any police officer, correctional probation officer, firefighter, or emergency medical provider “engaged in the performance of their lawful duties” after being warned to stay away from first responders. This makes it illegal to harass people.
The bill was passed by both houses of Congress last month.
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In early March, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 184, which makes it a crime to harass emergency personnel on duty. The bill awaits DeSantis’ signature. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Under the bill, harassment is defined as “a series of conduct directed at a first responder that intentionally engages in such conduct that intentionally causes the first responder significant emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.” ing.
The bill would also allow a person to come within 25 feet of an on-duty first responder after receiving a verbal warning not to do so if the person is obstructing or obstructing the job or is in danger of physical harm. It stipulates that this is not possible.
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Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Thursday he supports the bill because law enforcement is seeing more “aggressive and dangerous behavior” from people trying to get a response from officers. Stated.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said it is becoming more common for law enforcement to be approached by outsiders while investigating incidents. (Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“If there’s a car stop and you want to stand across the street and film it, good luck. But you don’t go over the deputy’s shoulders, don’t come to the car stop, refuse to comply, ‘I’m going to film you.’ I tried to bait the deputy into doing something,” Chitwood said. FOX 35 Orlando.
Chitwood said he is asking deputies to act professionally, but added that if calling a disorderly person a name fits their behavior, he will not discipline them.
“I’ll be clear. If you’re called.” [expletive] As one of my members said, I’m not punishing them. When that comes out of their mouth and they say you’re acting like the bad guy; [expletive]that’s fine,” he said, according to the outlet, “You’ve won the title.”
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If enacted by Governor DeSantis, harassment of active-duty police officers, probation officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others could be punishable by a fine of up to $500 or two months in jail. (St. Petersburg)
If signed into law, harassing first responders would be considered a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida, and violators could face fines of up to $500 or two months in jail.
This law is scheduled to come into effect on January 1 next year.
