INDIANAPOLIS
Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed into law a measure that allows homeowners to use force when resisting police entry into their homes in some cases.
The bill was a response to the public uproar over a state Supreme Court ruling that residents could not resist officers, even during an illegal entry.
The measure specifies that residents are protected by the state's self-defense law if they reasonably believe force is necessary to protect themselves from unlawful actions by an officer.
Supporters said the proposal strengthens the rights of homeowners while also making clear that anyone who is committing a crime isn't justified in using force against an officer, while opponents argued that the Legislature shouldn't give people justification for attacking officers.
Daniels signed the bill Tuesday night.
"This law is not an invitation to use violence or force against law enforcement officers. In fact, it restricts when an individual can use force, specifically deadly force, on an officer, so don?t try anything," Daniels said in a news release. "Chances are overwhelming you will be breaking the law and wind up in far worse trouble as a result.?
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