Bill would keep 'cop killers' behind bars for life

[hrmjustin]

Kelly Fay

A Hudson Valley senator is fighting to keep those convicted of killing a law enforcement official in prison and punished to the full extent of the law. Sen. Greg Ball has launched a petition and is drafting legislation to prevent "cop killers" from becoming eligible for parole.

The initiative was announced a week before a parole hearing for Joseph Comfort, who was charged with murdering State Police Investigator Robert VanHall Jr. in 1980. VanHall, a Green Beret and Vietnam veteran, was shot in the back with a sawed-off, double-barreled shotgun while on-duty.

"It is clear that those who kill cops have no respect for the criminal justice system or the brave men and women that put their lives on the line everyday to ensure our safety," said Ball, R-Patterson, said. "I urge everyone to send a letter of opposition to the Board of Parole regarding the parole of Joseph Comfort and then visit my senate website and complete the petition denying parole for all cop killers."

While the legal system now permits sentencing of life without parole, many of those convicted in the past of killing an officer are considered for parole every two years once they have served their minimum sentence.

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-01-27-86529.113122-Bill-would-keep-cop-killers-behind-bars-for-life.html

[msongs]

1. so long as it also applies to cops who ARE killers eh? nt