Camillo Supports Bill to Protect Off-Duty Police Officers

It was late one night — just about closing time at MacDuff’s, a popular bar on Railroad Avenue in downtown Greenwich.

A trio of men came and wanted to continue a birthday celebration. When refused service because it was closing time, an argument began with the bartender that quickly escalated into a brawl. An off-duty Greenwich police officer who happened to be in the bar intervened. When the dust settled, the officer, a female patron and another man suffered serious injuries.

Because of that incident, State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151) wants to expand a law to include stiffer penalties for anyone who assaults an off-duty police officer.

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And on Tuesday, Camillo testified before the state Legislature’s Public Safety Committee said he’s heard from law enforcement officers who want the overlapping regulation. The bill would not provide protection for any off-duty police officer who is engaged in inappropriate activities and or behaviors.

“The intent of this bill is clear, it is for the benefit of not only off-duty police officers, but also our citizens who are the recipients of the selfless and brave actions of many of our finest law enforcement professionals,” Camillo said.

Camillo said the Greenwich incident was the impetus for the proposal. The officer, who has never been identified, suffered major injuries and was out of work for a year-and-a-half. The three suspects from New York were given a plea deal with community service and didn’t serve jail time.

“A few years back, we had a brutal attack on an off-duty police officer who came to the aid of someone who was being attacked in a restaurant. It was later established the assailants knew that the man who was coming to the aid was a law enforcement professional. A camera in the municipal jail later confirmed the men took great pleasure knowing they inflicted serious harm on the off-duty police officer,” according to Camillo’s testimony.

Camillo added, “I think it is imperative that we afford them the same peace of mind and degree of protection off duty as they do when they are on duty and coming to the aid of their fellow citizens. Without this, I fear there will come a day when off-duty police officers will not be willing to do what comes natural to them: protecting innocent citizens.”

Camillo also said, “The main point of this proposed legislation is to enhance the penalty of assault of an off-duty police officer when it is established that the attack was due to the officer being targeted to his or her profession.”

Contributed photo: State Rep. Fred Camillo testifies before the state Legislature’s Public Safety Committee on March 1, 2016.