Lawmakers in Alabama are taking major steps to give some extra protection to law enforcement officers. Just a few weeks ago, Democratic Rep. John Rogers tried to convince his colleagues to support a bill that would legally designate police officers as a “protected group.” If this bill becomes law, the penalties for assaulting a police officers will become even more severe than they already are.

If anyone were to attack a police officer with this bill in place, it could be considered a legal “hate crime.” In Roberts’ opinion, too many police officers have been violently targeted in recent months. He hopes this bill would deter criminals from senselessly attacking the men and women who wear the uniform.

Although there has been increased attention given to police violence in recent months, some critics believe this is all just media hype. According to stats from the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, between 2000-2009 there were roughly 57 police fatalities each year. That number has dropped some 21 percent in 2015.

Plus, the rate of violence on police officers is nowhere near where it was in the 1970s. Back then, 280 cops killed in the line of duty each year.

Tensions between police officers and civilians have become a national issue with the rise of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. BLM activists claim police are actively discriminating against the African American community and using excessive force.

If this Alabama bill passes, it would be the first time a hate crime protected someone due to their occupation.

Today, hate crimes only protect people based on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

Should assaulting a police officer be considered a hate crime?