IN Senator Looking For Tougher Penalties For Attacks On Police

An Indiana State Senator is looking for tougher penalties for anyone convicted of attacking on- and off-duty police officers and their families. On Tuesday, Republican Jim Merritt of Indianapolis said the state law should be updated as a response to recent targeted violence against police officers. He used the July arrest of a man accused of firing at least 15 shots into the home and squad car of an Indianapolis officer as an example.

Another lawmaker, Republican Representative Wendy McNamara of Evansville, made the comment last week that she will propose making it a felony to threaten a law enforcement agency, because Indiana’s current intimidation statute only covers threats against individuals.