Howard Friedman is quoted in this article in the Bay State Banner: Civil rights advocates slam Baker bill. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker supports legislation that would cause the charge of assault and battery on a police officer to become a felony when the police officer suffers serious bodily harm. Howard Friedman and other civil rights advocates believe that there is no need to change the law. Police officers commonly use the charge of assault and battery on a police officer to cover up their own brutality and excessive force. Making this a felony would put increased pressure on the civilian, who may be a victim of police misconduct.