AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced LD 1127, An Act To Prohibit the Use of "No-knock" Warrants, before the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Monday.
No-knock warrants allow authorities, such as law enforcement officers, to enter a location without first seeking permission to do so. LD 1127 prohibits law enforcement officers, state employees and other public employees from providing support for a federal no-knock warrant. Additionally, this legislation ensures that there are ramifications for pursuing or helping one pursue a no-knock warrant.
"In addition to the risk no-knock warrants pose to the public, they are an imperfect tool for policing and they put officers' lives on the line unnecessarily," said Roeder. "We have the opportunity to keep a problem from becoming a tragedy. This type of warrant and the practices related to dynamic entry raids are flawed tools and they get people killed. It's time to look for better solutions."
In addition to her interest in public safety, Roeder is an advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions and expanded opportunities for all workers. She is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and serves on the Labor and Housing Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Roeder], c. 812-1111