Lawmakers define protections from police entry

11-11-2011 Indiana:

INDIANAPOLIS—Richard Barnes may have started a constitutional furor in 2007 when he shoved a police officer against the wall of his apartment. But he would not have benefited from a new set of rules Indiana lawmakers are drafting in response to the incident.

A legislative study committee voted Thursday to advance new guidelines on police entry to the full General Assembly when it reconvenes in January. Indiana residents would be able to use force to prevent police from entering their homes in a handful of instances if the Legislature approves the recommendations.

The Indiana Supreme Court sparked an uproar when it ruled in May that homeowners cannot violently resist police officers entry into their homes. The justices later clarified their ruling does not abridge Fourth Amendment rights. ..Source.. by TOM LoBIANCO