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Law enforcement groups oppose bill on self-defense killings
COLUMBUS (AP) - Major law enforcement groups said Tuesday that they oppose Gov. Ted Strickland's support of a bill that would allow a new protection against prosecution for people who kill an attacker in self defense.
One exception: Strickland's own State Highway Patrol.
The patrol and its state agency - the Ohio Department of Public Safety - have no official position on the bill but support the governor, public safety spokesman Tom Hunter said.
Under the bill Strickland favors, people who injure or kill an attacker in self defense no longer would shoulder the burden to prove their actions were justifiable.
The Democratic governor has long been supported by the National Rifle Association for his views on gun rights.
Director John Murphy of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association says the bill could allow drug dealers to claim self defense in shootings of rivals in deals that went sour.
"The people it works to benefit are criminals who ought to be convicted," Murphy said.
NRA lobbyist John Hohenwarter countered that the bill would put an end to "people getting dragged into court for defending themselves."
(Refer to page 8 of today's Daily Chief-Union) |
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| TUESDAY MAY 27, 2008 |
Police in Ohio town abandon cruisers for golf carts
BREMEN (AP) - Sheriff's deputies have parked their gas-guzzling cruisers and started up a number of golf carts for use on patrols around this small central Ohio town.
Fairfield County Sheriff's Sgt. Forrest Cassel said the carts are not just more cost- and energy-efficient. They also encourage better interaction with people in the town of 1,200, he said.
"When you're out in the open like that, everyone can see you and wave to you," he said. "When you're all enclosed in a car, it's a little bit more difficult."
The county tested the golf carts in 2007 and decided to bring them back this once gas prices began their recent steep climb, Cassel said.
(Refer to page 5 of today's Daily Chief-Union) |
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