White Bill Would Protect Officer’s Identifications During Investigations
HARRISBURG—Rep. Martina White (R-170) will introduce legislation to protect police officers and their families when the officer is involved in a shooting.
Standing with members of FOP Lodge 5 and FOP President John McNesby, White outlined her legislation, which would bar police departments from releasing the names of officers involved in violent confrontations while an investigation is ongoing.
“Supporting this bill means protecting the identity of an officer while he or she is being investigated for discharging a firearm or using force in the line of duty until criminal charges have been brought against the officer,” White said. “Once the investigation is complete, criminal charges have been filed, and the life of the officer and his or her family members are not in danger, then it is to the discretion of the public official to disclose the officers’ information.
“That decision would be up to the police department officials,” White said.
"Our law enforcement officers work hard every day to ensure the safety of our citizens,” McNesby said. “This legislation will help protect our law enforcement officers and their families from unnecessary threats by protecting their identities."
White crafted her legislation following several incidents across the country where officers who were later cleared of wrongdoing had to go into hiding or resign after receiving death threats.
“Unfortunately, criminals threaten the well-being of our officers every day,” White said. “Our own public officials shouldn’t be the ones handing over officer’s information which can lead criminals to them and their families where they can take vengeful actions. It’s wrong and now is the time to do something about it.”
Representative Martina White
170th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com
RepWhite.com /
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