Proposed legislation makes it a crime to physically approach a cop while they do their job

Pineville state Representative Mike Johnson has a bill for the legislative session that makes it a crime to approach a cop while he or she is doing their job. Johnson’s HB 85 would create the crime of approaching a law enforcement officer who’s legally engaged in his or her duties. Johnson says he’s heard from LEOs about citizens walking up on them unexpectedly, while they’re working a crime scene or traffic accident…:

“They’re either trying to interfere, or they’re talking or they’re involving themselves in the investigation. It just creates a safety issue…”

Johnson says police officers never know if the person approaching merely needs help, has a question, or means them harm, and that causes tension and potential misunderstandings. His bill would require you to maintain a distance of 25 feet from any working LEO, or face charges and penalties…:

“It’s a $500 penalty or 60 …it’s a misdemeanor… or 60 days in jail. The court would have to determine that.”

Under Johnson’s proposed legislation, the officer would have to verbally ward off the approaching citizen, to help them avoid violating the new law…:

“They would actually have to say to the person, ‘I’m asking you to stay back.’ And they have a buffer zone of 25 feet.”

There have been numerous shootings of police officers across the nation. Johnson says this will help set officers a little more at ease while they do their jobs. The legislature convenes Monday, April 10th.