FRANKFORT, Ky. (WBKO) – A Kentucky representative has filed a measure to enhance work environment safety for detention officers.

Kevin Jackson of Bowling Green filed House Bill 188. The measure looks to expand the criminal act of assault in the third degree to include causing or attempting to cause physical injury to a healthcare provider in a jail, penitentiary, or local or state correctional or detention facility.

“Our detention and correctional officers put themselves in harm’s way to maintain order and protect the safety of inmates and the public,” Jackson said, in a release. “HB 188 would close the gap in our current law by ensuring that assaults against these professionals are taken seriously and violators are penalized for the seriousness of the crime.”

The measure would also expand the definition of public safety employee to include jailer, deputy jailer, or a correctional officer employed by a local detention center, local correctional facility, or regional jail.

“Detention officers, jailers, and correctional officers deserve the same legal protections as other public safety employees. By expanding the definition of public safety employee, it sends a clear message that violence against those individuals will not be tolerated, “Jackson added. “Our jailers are providing a great service for Kentuckians. We want to protect them from violence and it is my hope that this bill will help that cause.”

To learn more about HB 188, visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.

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