Post by CMF Newsman on Apr 14, 2007 6:24:37 GMT -5
Rep. Eric Watson (R-Bradley) carried and passed legislation this week regarding the penalty for criminal impersonation of a law enforcement official. The measure increases the penalty from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor, meaning that someone found guilty of such a crime could face up to one year in jail and pay as much as a $2,500 fine.
Rep. Watson, a lieutenant with the Bradley Sheriff's Office, said the legislation would serve to protect the public and assist law enforcement in doing so.
"Criminal impersonation of police officers is becoming a common occurrence somewhere in the state of Tennessee. People have been robbed and even raped by people pretending to be law enforcement. I also amended the law to make it illegal to impersonate law enforcement in any form or fashion. Anyone who may display the appearance of a law enforcement officer may fall subject to arrest," Rep. Watson said.
www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_105443.asp