CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The Cape Girardeau Police Department wants the public to be aware of a new Missouri law designed to protect first responders.

Under Senate Bill 669 , also known as the Interference with a First Responder, anyone who approaches a first responder within 25 feet after receiving a clear verbal warning can face a Class A misdemeanor charge if they:

Impede or interfere with the first responder’s ability to perform his or her legal duty;

Threaten the first responder with physical harm; or

Engage in conduct directed at a first responder that intentionally causes emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.

First responders protected under the new law include police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Adam

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