Nebraska Police Officers Join Self Defense Bill Debates

Police officers in Nebraska object to the recently proposed self defense bill that would give residents greater leeway in using guns for protection. Citing the likely increase in shootings and killing that the increased use of guns would generate, officers from both rural and urban cities testified against the passing of Bill 889.

“We have enough people in the state killing each other,” stated a County Attorney, who has concerns about the proposed policy making it easier for people to shoot one another.

Supporters of the bill, including the National Rifle Association, believe that the bill would help protect individuals who use a gun when defending themselves against attackers. The current State law, argue proponents, may require those who have killed in self defense to then defend themselves against charges of manslaughter or murder in civil proceedings.

Falling under the “Castle Doctrine” category of laws which refers to the adage “a man’s home is his castle,” this bill is in line with similar laws in 25 other states. Current Nebraska law states that people may not use deadly force if they can retreat safely when threatened. While this restriction does not include the areas within a home or business, proponents of the bill want to include vehicles and the area around a home as well.

It has been argued that while it is possible to prosecute someone for the use of deadly force in self defense rather than retreating, it has never occurred. The fact that there have never been any problems relating to the current self defense law also seem to indicate that Bill 889 may be addressing a non-existent problem, while providing attorneys with greater leeway when defending clients accused of murder or gang related shootings.

Authors of the bill, after hearing police testimony, have agreed that the proposal may be in need some amending.