Ex-Cop Pennsylvania Lawmaker Wants To Make It Illegal To Taunt A Police Officer

[951-Riverside]

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, earlier this week, lawmakers, police officers and other supporters gathered at the state capitol to celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Amid praise for those who wear the badge, state Rep. Dom Costa (D), former chief of the Pittsburgh Police, suggested he would introduce legislation to protect police officers -- not from physical harm, but from getting their feelings hurt by citizens.

Following comments by state Sen. John Rafferty (R), who spoke about criminal targeting of police and encouraged attendees to support his resolution to recognize 2015 as the “Year of the Law Enforcement Officer,” Costa discussed another supposed threat to police.

"This nonsense that is going today on where police officers are being taunted by people and being provoked, let's face it we’re all human beings, and eventually that emotion will break. And that’s what they’re trying to do," he said, according to Raging Chicken Press, seemingly speaking about anyone who would verbally challenge police. "So, what I’ve talked to some of my colleagues and the senator [Senator Rafferty] is that we have a bill about taunting a police dog. It’s illegal. There should be out that you can’t taunt a police officer because you’re going to get those emotions up. [We] are looking at that bill to put it forward in the House, and I am sure the Senate will follow. Or at least support that bill."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/23/dom-costa-taunting-police_n_7127652.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. Do not taunt happy fun officer. n/t

[Kelvin Mace]

2. Tell you what,

first do something about all the ultra-violent cops who keep murdering people, then we will discuss a law to protect their delicate feelings.

Oh, and where did you find that toupee? In Donald Trump's dumpster?

[Politicalboi]

3. What a rug

So we can't make fun of his rug because it would hurt his little feelings.

Year of the cop. Yes it is, but only in a bad way. Where do these assholes come from. And what animal is on his head? That's not an "original" Rand Paul rug.

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. what's that on his head?

[Trillo]

5. When cops kill a guy for merely holding a cigarette on the street,

one has to ask just what kind of power are they asking for when they want to be able to punish for a "taunt". What is a taunt, and what is the punishment for a taunt?

For some reason I just flashed on an old DU thread where a kid corrected a D.A.R.E. offier's incorrect information he was presenting to the class, and the kid's mom was arrested that day. Was correcting false information a "taunt"? Was pointing out a lie, a taunt?

Another aspect to consider is the lack of honesty of cops. Right now their favorite excuse to kill is, he was reaching for his belt" or "pulling a gun", and there's evidence cops plant guns on suspects they've killed. Just imagine if they can lie about what you've said and punish for it.

Do police cameras also have audio?

If something like this were to become law, would it be smartest to teach children to never say a word to a cop under any circumstances whatsoever, even in a court of law, for it could be considered justification for a cop to murder?

[EarlG]

6. You know who would look good with that hair?

Eh, maybe not.

[EarlG]

7. Wait I forgot something

[WinkyDink]

8. Must be because he was taunted over that THING on his head!

[Downwinder]

9. How about making it illegal for Police officers to taunt citizens.

Come to think of it, just extend The Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBR) to cover everybody.

[procon]

10. So he's essential saying that police are like dumb animals

and will react violently if provoked. I'm sorry, but if a grade school kid is expected to get through the school day without acting out, then these, big macho fellows with guns should be able to maintain the same control as a 10 year old kid.

If they are really that emotionally unstable and unable to control their tempers, then they're in the wrong profession.

[eppur_se_muova]

11. Obvious slippery slope. Anything a cop doesn't like gets classified as "taunting".

"The perp continued to taunt me by bleeding on my uniform while unconscious."

Oh, wait ... that's not satire ?