Res. No. 253 Title Resolution calling upon the State Legislature to amend the Penal Law to classify assaults on New York City traffic enforcement agents as a felony. Body By Council Members Weprin, DeBlasio, Monserrate and Seabrook; also Council Member Clarke Whereas, Traffic enforcement agents (TEAs) play an important role in ensuring public safety by enforcing traffic laws that protect New York City's motorists and pedestrians; and Whereas, Each year, hundreds of traffic enforcement agents are assaulted while at work on the streets of New York - offenses that are generally treated as ordinary misdemeanors; and Whereas, Pursuant to section 120.05 of the State Penal Law, it is assault in the second degree, a class D felony, to cause physical injury to a peace officer, police officer, fireman or an emergency medical service paramedic, with the intent to prevent that officer from performing a lawful duty; and Whereas, There are currently a number of bills pending in the State Legislature which would amend section 120.05 of the Penal Law to add New York City traffic enforcement agents as officers who receive enhanced protection from assault in the course of performing their official duties; and Whereas, According to the sponsors of the proposed legislation, New York City's uniformed traffic agents are, with increasing frequency, the victims of assault and aggression; in 1999, 48 TEAs were assaulted and 145 were harassed; and Whereas, Traffic enforcement agents need and deserve the same statutory protection from assault as that accorded to police officers, members of the fire department, paramedics and other peace officers; and Whereas, In view of the vital role that traffic enforcement agents play in easing traffic congestion and eliminating various unsafe conditions for the citizens of New York, their inclusion in the felony assault law would send an important message to the public that attacks on traffic enforcement agents will not be tolerated and will be treated harshly; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to amend the Penal Law to classify assaults on New York City traffic enforcement agents as a felony.