In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to make on-scene arrests when they have probable cause to believe an individual has violated our indecent exposure law.
 
A recent incident in my district highlighted the importance of this legislation. An individual was recently accused of indecent exposure near a public park. When local police arrived at the scene, officers made contact with the individual but were unable to make an arrest at that time due to current state law.
 
Under current state law, law enforcement officers may generally make warrantless arrests for felonies. However, misdemeanors that are not committed in an officer’s presence typically require an arrest warrant unless state law provides an exception. My legislation would establish such an exception for indecent exposure, allowing an officer to make an on-scene arrest when the officer has probable cause to believe the offense has been committed.
 
State law already provides for warrantless arrests for certain misdemeanors, including offenses such as scattering rubbish. This legislation would similarly provide law enforcement with the authority they need to respond promptly and appropriately to allegations of indecent exposure.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.