Representative Dave Greenspan Introduces Legislation to Extend Protections for Additional Criminal Justice Public Servants
COLUMBUS—State Representative Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) today introduced House Bill 299 which will extend protections for corrections officers, parole officers, probation officers, and parole board members. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association, the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police have all expressed support for the bill.
“I’m proud to sponsor this important piece of legislation which will not only help to keep corrections officers and others safe from being targeted, but will also bring the consequences for crimes against these public servants up to parity with similar crimes against police officers,” said Rep. Greenspan.
Under Rep. Greenspan’s legislation, penalties for certain violent crimes against corrections officers, parole officers, probation officers, and parole board members will be the same as those for crimes against other law enforcement officials or military officers as already defined under current law.
“These men and women play a critical, and too often overlooked, role in our criminal justice system,” said State Representative Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville). “This bill is an important step forward which I hope will provide them with additional safety and peace of mind.”
“With the introduction of this bill, our member brothers and sisters in corrections are finally brought in line with the rest of the law enforcement community,” said Gary Wolske, President of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio. “This language helps to keep them safe, even after their shifts have completed, from those who wish to target public servants who otherwise are just doing their duty to keep our communities and the prison population safe.”
House Bill 299 now awaits referral to a committee.
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Representative Dave Greenspan is serving his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 16th Ohio House District, which includes the cities of Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake.
For more information, contact Rep Greenspan’s office at (614) 466-0961 or Rep16@ohiohouse.gov.