AN ACT Relating to the major crimes investigation and assistance unit; amending RCW 43.43.600, 43.43.610, 43.43.630, 43.43.650, and 43.43.785; adding new sections to chapter 43.43 RCW; and repealing RCW 43.43.620.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. Section 1, chapter 63, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. and RCW 43.43.600 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby created in the Washington state patrol a drug control assistance unit and a major crimes investigation and assistance unit.

Sec. 2. Section 2, chapter 63, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. as last amended by section 107, chapter 3, Laws of 1983 and RCW 43.43.610 are each amended to read as follows:

The drug control assistance unit and the major crimes investigation and assistance unit shall provide investigative assistance for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions of chapter 69.40 RCW.

The major crimes investigation and assistance unit may provide expertise in the investigation of major crimes and may provide assistance to law enforcement entities throughout the state of Washington at their request. The unit shall cooperate with other states and nations in investigations that could be related to crimes within the state of Washington.

The unit shall develop a computer data bank and record system to store crime scene information, suspect lists, criminal evidence, and other information that would assist in major crimes investigations and make such data readily available to all law enforcement agencies throughout the state and further to work with other state agencies, states, the federal government, and other nations in developing compatible systems of collecting and disseminating criminal information. The unit shall also develop a communications network capable of interconnecting all offices and investigators of the unit.

The unit shall exist as a distinct and separate entity from the drug control assistance unit. The chief of the Washington state patrol has sole authority to approve or deny requests for assistance from the unit.

Sec. 3. Section 4, chapter 63, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. and RCW 43.43.630 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of state resources, the ((~~drug control~~)) major crimes investigation and assistance unit shall, where feasible, use existing facilities and systems.

(2) The chief of the state patrol shall contract with the Green river task force to develop the expertise of the unit.

Sec. 4. Section 6, chapter 63, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. and RCW 43.43.650 are each amended to read as follows:

The chief of the Washington state patrol may employ such investigators, criminalists, chemists, clerical and other personnel as are necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the ((~~drug control~~)) major crimes investigation and assistance unit. These personnel need not have completed the state patrol training program to be employed with the unit.

Sec. 5. Section 18, chapter 152, Laws of 1972 ex. sess. and RCW 43.43.785 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds that there is a need for the Washington state patrol to establish a program which will consolidate existing programs of criminal justice services within its jurisdiction so that such services may be more effectively utilized by the criminal justice agencies of this state. The chief, with the advice of the state advisory council on criminal justice services created in RCW 43.43.790, shall establish such a program which shall include but not be limited to the identification section, all auxiliary systems including the Washington crime information center and the teletypewriter communications network, the ((~~drug control~~)) major crimes investigation and assistance unit, and any other services the chief deems necessary which are not directly related to traffic control.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply to RCW 43.43.600 through 43.43.650 and sections 7 and 8 of this act.

(1) "Unit" means the major crimes investigation and assistance unit.

(2) "Major crimes" includes: (a) First and second degree homicide; (b) first and second degree rape; (c) first and second degree kidnapping; and (d) potentially criminal cases involving missing persons.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows:

The chief of the Washington state patrol shall report to the Washington state advisory council on criminal justice services yearly. The council shall assist the major crimes investigation and assistance unit in devising policies to promote the most efficient use of the unit's resources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The local government advisory board shall be appointed by the executive board of the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs. It shall include sheriffs and police chiefs from the east and west sides of the state and shall have representation from jurisdictions of both small and large populations. The board shall consist of a total of nine members, two of whom shall not be involved with law enforcement as a profession, one member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate.

(2) The advisory board shall act in an advisory capacity to the chief of the state patrol and prepare a report annually to the state legislature on the activities and progress of the unit.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. Section 3, chapter 63, Laws of 1970 ex. sess. and RCW 43.43.620 are each repealed.