Protecting Citizens on Patrol - House Bill 265

I enjoyed the opportunity to go before the Criminal Justice Committee, Chaired by Representative Tyrone Yates, to give sponsor testimony on House Bill 265.  Basically, the bill says that if an assault, an aggravated assault or a felonious assault is committed against a Citizen on Patrol who is on duty and clearly identified, the penalty for the assault will be increased to reflect the same penalty against a Peace Officer (or a police officer).  The Citizens on Patrol put their safety on the line every time they go out on a patrol and are deserving of this added layer of protection.  They serve as the eyes and ears of the police and have been credited with reducing crime in targeted hot spots and making the police aware of what is going on in our neighborhoods.  The group is very supportive of House Bill 265 and hopes it will assist in their recruiting efforts.  Proponent/Opponent testimony will be taken on the bill within the next few weeks and I am hopeful that it will move out of committee with a favorable vote.