Nesbitt supports new bullet proof vest law

A new law to increase penalties for criminals who use bulletproof vests in the commission of a crime goes into effect November 1, 2001, according to Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt (R, C-Albion).

Nesbitt said the new law amends the current law by including rifles and shotguns into the existing statute that prohibits wearing a body vest while committing a violent felony in the possession of a firearm.

Current law allows for criminals who use a shotgun or a rifle during the commission of a crime to be punished less severely than those who carry another type of firearm.

Nesbitt said under the existing law, a criminal who wears a vest while commit-ting violent felony may be charged with the additional crime of "Unlawful Wearing of a Body Vest" if in possession of a firearm. As shotguns and rifles are not considered firearms under the current Penal Law, a person committing the same violent crime while possessing a rifle or shotgun could not be charged under this section. This amendment remedies the omission by extending the coverage of the present statute to include both rifles and shotguns.

"Over the years there have been many encounters between police and criminals wearing bullet-proof vests. Time after time the criminals have shown that they are less likely to surrender because they perceive themselves as being safer; as a result, police officers have been injured. Now, under this new law, those who commit such crimes will face severe penalties, no matter what type of firearm they use," Nesbitt said.