JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two Jacksonville women have been charged with violating the recently enacted Halo law, which protects first responders by requiring a 25-foot buffer zone during arrests.
The incident occurred while a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer was attempting to arrest 39-year-old Erika McGriff on multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer.
Police say the two women got too close to the officer as he tried to handcuff McGriff. Authorities are not naming the women because they face misdemeanor charges.
The Halo law, which took effect in January, aims to give first responders enough space to perform their duties without interference.
The law requires first responders to give a verbal warning to anyone within 25 feet, instructing them to step back or face misdemeanor charges.
The penalty for violating the Halo law can include up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Tom Hackney, News4JAX’s crime and safety analyst, says it’s common for bystanders to crowd around officers during arrests, sometimes yelling or interfering. Without the buffer zone, he says officers risk danger from others who may try to grab their firearms or escalate the situation.
“When you see scuffles like that, you have to worry about protecting your firearm as a law enforcement officer,” Hackney explained.
He adds that friends or relatives of suspects can pose threats when emotions are running high.
In this case, the two women charged did not physically attack the officer but were accused of intentional harassment within the buffer zone. Such harassment can be seen as a threat, especially if the officer’s command to stay back is ignored.
A school administrator who was also within the 25-foot zone is not facing charges, as they appeared to be assisting the officer and trying to de-escalate the situation.