Abbott wants to toughen punishment for attacks on police

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday he will push to enhance the punishment for attacks on law enforcement officers and allow them to be treated as hate crimes, citing the "heroes lost in Dallas" to a mass shooting.

"At a time when law enforcement officers increasingly come under assault simply because of the job they hold, Texas must send a resolute message that the state will stand by the men and women who serve and protect our communities," Abbott said. "While our state and the nation continue to mourn the heroes lost in Dallas, it is time for us to unite as Texans to say no more."

Five Dallas officers were killed following a peaceful protest earlier this month, and police said the sniper in part talked about his desire to kill white officers in the wake of recent incidents in which black men were killed by police in Minnesota and Louisiana. State police in Louisiana said a man who killed three law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge was targeting officers.

RELATED GALLERY: The front pages of newspapers across the country the day after the Dallas Police shooting

Newspaper front pages on July 8, 2016--the day after five Dallas Police Officers were shot dead in downtown by snipers. Newspaper front pages on July 8, 2016--the day after five Dallas Police Officers were shot dead in downtown by snipers. Photo: Courtesy/Newseum.org Photo: Courtesy/Newseum.org Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Abbott wants to toughen punishment for attacks on police 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

Similar proposals have been lofted around the country after police officers have been killed. Some have pointed out that crimes against law enforcement already may be enhanced. In Texas, for example, the murder of an officer who is performing duties of the office can qualify for the death penalty.

Abbott's office said he will ask lawmakers who meet in regular session in 2017 to approve the proposed Police Protection Act.

His proposal would make it a hate crime to commit a crime against a law enforcement officer if the offense is rooted in bias against the police. It also would increase criminal penalties for any crime in which the victim is a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether it's a hate crime.

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Abbott's office, as an example, said that assault with bodily injury now is generally punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. If a public servant such as a law officer is assaulted, the crime is escalated to a third-degree felony. Under Abbott's proposal, someone assaulting a law enforcement officer would face in a 2nd-degree felony charge.

The governor's proposal also would organize a campaign to "educate young Texans on the value law enforcement officers bring to their communities."

In releasing his proposal, Abbott included comments from several law enforcement interests praising the idea.

"As a 26-plus year police officer in Houston, I'm extremely encouraged by Governor Greg Abbott's legislative priority to make the state of Texas a national leader in protecting the lives of law enforcement officers," said Ray Hunt, president of the Houston Police Officers Association. "The attacks on law enforcement in Texas and the rest of our nation are unprecedented. Governor Abbott's solution is the right approach for Texas law enforcement officers and the people of Texas who support them."

Kevin Lawrence, executive director of the Texas Municipal Police Association, applauded Abbott. So did Ron Pinkston, president of the Dallas Police Association.

"Now is the time for our elected leaders across our state and country to do the right thing and join our governor in his call to better protect police officers," said Pinkston.

U.S. Sens Ted. Cruz and John Cornyn of of Texas earlier introduced a federal measure aimed at violent offenders who target police officers.