By Police1 Staff
NEW YORK — A bill passed by the New York State Senate would increase penalties for crimes committed against police officers.
The Community Heroes Protection Act classifies crimes against police officers, firefighters and EMTs as hate crimes, if the crime was committed based on their professions, a press release said.
First responders are not identified as victims under the current definition of a hate crime.
Sen. Patrick Gallivan, a former sheriff, said in the release that those who target first responders “must be held accountable for their despicable and hateful acts.”
“This legislation will send a clear message that we will not tolerate attacks on our community heroes and that we stand by those who serve and protect the citizens of New York,” he said.
The bill now heads to the State Assembly.