| Releases & Statements
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and Council Member Peter Vallone Jr., Chair of the Public Safety Committee, today introduced a package of legislation in the City Council that would increase penalties for unlawful use of NYPD and FDNY uniforms and insignia. Two weeks ago, Gotbaum drew public attention to the fact that current laws against impersonating a police officer are more than twenty years old. Gotbaum and Vallone pledged to bring tougher legislation to the Council.
“It’s a dangerous problem when anyone can impersonate a police officer without fear of serious consequences,” Gotbaum said. “This legislation will solve that problem, make the work of our finest and bravest easier, and help protect New Yorkers.”
“We are proud to work with the Public Advocate on this extremely important issue,” stated Vallone .
Gotbaum and Vallone are prime sponsors of a package of legislation. They are as follows:
* NYPD Uniforms —A bill that increases the maximum penalty for the unlawful use or possession of any part of a police uniform to a fine of $1000 (from $100) and/or 1 year in prison (from 60 days).
* NYPD ID Cards— A bill that increases the penalty for counterfeiting, intending to counterfeit, or possessing a counterfeit NYPD-issued ID card. The current fine of not more than $250 would be amended to a fine of $500-$1000, and the prison term of not more than 30 days would be amended to not more than 1 year. (The violation remains punishable by a fine and/or a prison term.)
* FDNY Uniforms— A bill that increases the penalty for unlawfully wearing any part of an FDNY uniform or interfering with any property of the Department to 1 year in prison (from 60 days). The bill also increases the penalty for maliciously impersonating a firefighter to a fine of $500-$1000 (from $25-$250) and a prison term of 3 months-1 year (from 10 days–3 months).
* NYPD Uniforms, State Level— A resolution calling on the State legislature to increase the penalties for impersonating a police officer and for illegally selling a police uniform.
“Recently we saw the tragic results of someone impersonating a police officer. It’s a serious offense and our bills will provide serious consequences,” stated Vallone .
The murder of a Long Island man by police impersonators, as well as the threat of terrorism, underscore the need for stiffer penalties. At present, real or replica police uniforms, insignia, and equipment are easily available from supply stores and the Internet.
“Anyone intending to use NYPD or FDNY uniforms to con or harm New Yorkers should think twice,” Gotbaum said. “When this legislation becomes law, the punishment will fit the severity of the crime.”
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