Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Assembly today passed a package of bills to support law enforcement and to invest in emergency medical service (EMS) training.
Among the pieces of legislation was Assembly Bill 136, which increases the penalty for impersonating law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS. Current law classifies the crime as only a Class A misdemeanor. The bill changes the classification to a Class I felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and three and a half years in prison.
“Impersonating emergency personnel is not only wrong, it is dangerous,” said Rep. Scott Allen (R-Waukesha). “The penalty needs to be commensurate with the high risk of harm.”
The Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and Wisconsin Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs Association also supported the legislation.
