OWENS SIGNS BILL TO TOUGHEN PENALTIES FOR
IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER

(DENVER) – Gov. Bill Owens today signed House Bill 1304 to increase the penalties for impersonating a police officer.

"In our society, the only sure barrier between our citizens and the chaos of lawlessness is a blue line of police officers," said Owens. "The ability of each law enforcement officer to protect us depends on trust. Today, Colorado takes an important step to restore the trust that every citizen must have in law enforcement."

The legislation comes in the wake of the abduction and murder of Lacy Miller, a twenty-year-old student from Fort Collins, this past January. Miller was abducted when she was pulled over by a man impersonating a police officer.

Wendy Cohen, Lacy Miller’s mother, joined the Gov. Owens at the bill signing. Since the death of her daughter, Cohen has been a diligent advocate for tougher penalties for anyone who impersonates a police officer.

"I’m honored to stand alongside Wendy Cohen," said Owens. "Her determination has helped make Colorado a safer place."

House Bill 1304 was sponsored by Rep. Bob McCluskey and Sen. Steve Johnson.

Under House Bill 1304, a judge may sentence the perpetrator to 18 months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.