Smith decries bill giving the governor broader authority to deploy a paramilitary police force

Yesterday, Jan. 28, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) voted no on House Bill 1343, which includes a provision further authorizing the establishment of a military police force within the Indiana National Guard. The governor will have the authority to send this police force into any part of the state whenever he or she deems necessary, without the consent of the community or its elected officials.

Smith released the following statement: 

“I am deeply troubled by the power HB 1343 would give our governor. A single person could deploy a paramilitary police force in our streets. This force could be used whenever they deem necessary, opening the door to acts of political retribution. 

“Our Indiana National Guardsmen are brave men and women who want to protect their neighbors, not police them. We don’t need soldiers trained in combat used for law enforcement. That invites confusion, mistrust and danger into our communities. 

“As a Black man, I understand firsthand the tragedies that can occur when interacting with law enforcement. But I am not just concerned about myself; with this provision, I’m worried about all Hoosiers. I do not want our state to become a military state where fear spreads throughout. We have the possibility of being another Minneapolis. I am sure our citizens don’t want this. 

“It’s antithetical to our democracy to give a single individual that type of authority. We are a nation of freedom-loving people. The people of Indiana don’t expect or want a military presence on their doorsteps.” 

HB 1343 heads to the Senate for further consideration.