1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Dear Representative Bascom, I am a constituent from Guilford in Dearborn County writing to formally express my disapproval of your vote in favor of House Bill 1343. By supporting HB 1343, the House authorized the creation of a state-controlled military police force with civilian law-enforcement powers. This vote represents a serious departure from Indiana’s long-standing commitment to civilian governance, local control of policing, and clear boundaries between military and civil authority. Regardless of intent, this legislation concentrates coercive power at the executive level, weakens local accountability, and normalizes the use of military forces in civilian contexts. These are not abstract concerns. History shows that such authority is most likely to be misused during periods of unrest, political polarization, or emergency declarations—precisely when restraint and democratic oversight are most critical. As a constituent, I find this vote deeply concerning. It is not aligned with the principles of limited government, local control, or constitutional balance that many Hoosiers expect their representatives to defend. Please understand that this vote will be remembered and weighed when evaluating future legislation and representation. I urge you to reconsider support for similar measures going forward and to oppose any further expansion of militarized policing authority in Indiana.