S-0874.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5341
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State of Washington 54th Legislature 1995 Regular Session
By Senators Kohl, Roach, Prentice, Fairley, Johnson, Bauer and Schow
Read first time 01/19/95. Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.
AN ACT Relating to reporting of crimes involving the taking or theft of a motor vehicle; and adding a new section to chapter 9A.56 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 9A.56 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The legislature finds that law enforcement officers, when receiving a report about a crime that may be chargeable under this chapter involving the taking or theft of a motor vehicle, are not always given sufficient information concerning the circumstances of the crime and possible suspects to determine whether a vehicular pursuit should be initiated or continued. Taking a motor vehicle without permission often involves a family member of the owner, and in such cases a vehicular pursuit endangering life and property is often not warranted.
(2) By December 31, 1995, every state, county, and municipal law enforcement agency shall adopt and implement a written policy on the designation and reporting of crimes that may be chargeable under this chapter involving the taking or theft of a motor vehicle, to enable law enforcement officers to make more informed decisions concerning whether to initiate or continue vehicular pursuits.
The policy shall require that, when providing information about a possible crime under this chapter to its officers or to another law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency provide the most current available information concerning the circumstances of the crime and possible suspects, whenever possible. The policy shall apply to any dissemination of such information including radio or other communication with law enforcement officers on patrol and communication with other law enforcement agencies through computer systems or networks, or otherwise.
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