Baker right on cop killers

Support for law enforcement on Beacon Hill is critical and legislators should follow Gov. Charlie Baker’s lead.

This weekend Baker renewed his call for the death penalty for cop killers, following the murder of Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna in the line of duty a week ago, and said he will approve a new surcharge on rental cars to train police across the state, according to the Herald’s Mary Markos.

“I just view these jobs as so much more dangerous than other lines of work that I think the standard on it should be very high. I certainly do support the death penalty for people who kill a police officer, for a lot of reasons.”

Gov. Baker is right to call for the death penalty for cop killers. Our law enforcement officers are uniquely at risk, every single day.

Every practical layer of protection must be afforded to them.

Enhanced training for police in firearms and defensive tactics, first aid and CPR is more than an appropriate use of funds. Though we should endeavor to find an alternative source or supplemental funding in the future, at this moment the $2 surcharge to every vehicle rental contract in Massachusetts is a prudent measure.

Of course it is doubtful that the Legislature will move toward passing a law that would put the death penalty on the table for cop killers in the foreseeable future. Gov. Baker is right to keep the idea afloat.

Legislators should ask themselves if their commitment to law enforcement is as strong as law enforcement’s commitment to them.