Statehouse—The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday voted in favor of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) that would make interfering with fire scenes a crime. Frye said the proposal for a law would establish penalties for entering a crime scene firefighters marked off with barrier tape or for interfering with the work of firefighters. He said it is already against the law to intentionally interfere with law enforcement, and this legislation expands the law to include firefighters.
“Firefighters, just like police, are critical to public safety,” Frye said. “They need the ability to prevent tampering of crime scenes and keep key pieces of evidence intact for detectives and investigators. This bill would further help law enforcement and keep the public out of dangerous areas.”
The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana and the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police support this legislation, which is a product of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee chaired by Frye.
House Bill 1032 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
