SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SSB 5538

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Warnke, Stratton, von Reichbauer, Lee, Garrett and Moore)

Creating the major crimes investigation and assistance unit.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987; February 23, 1987; February 24, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5538 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Moore, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Carolyn J. Mayer (786-7465)

                  February 24, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987; March 9, 1987

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5538 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Deccio, Fleming, Hayner, Kreidler, Lee, McDonald, Moore, Owen, Rasmussen, Saling, Talmadge, Warnke, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Stephen Rose (786-7443)

                  March 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Patrol drug control assistance unit provides investigative assistance for enforcement of narcotic and drug laws.  It has been suggested a separate unit be created to provide major crimes investigation and assistance.

SUMMARY:

A unit is created within the Washington State Patrol to provide statewide expertise and assistance in major crimes information collection and dissemination and to cooperate with other states and nations in investigations which could relate to crimes in Washington.  The unit shall develop a computer data bank, a records system, and a communications network to collect, store, and disseminate information within the state and shall work with other agencies, states, the federal government, and other nations to develop compatible criminal information collection and dissemination systems.  The Chief of the Washington State Patrol shall develop unit expertise through contract with the Green River Task Force and may employ investigators and other personnel who need not have completed the State Patrol training program.  "Major crimes" include first and second degree arson, homicide, rape, and kidnapping and missing persons cases.

The State Patrol Chief shall report yearly to the Washington State Advisory Council on Criminal Justice Services which shall assist in devising resource policy for the unit.  A nine-member local government advisory board, appointed by the executive board of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, shall include sheriffs and police chiefs from eastern and western Washington, and representatives from jurisdictions of both large and small populations.  Membership shall include one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; one member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; and two members of nonprofessional law enforcement status.  The board shall annually report to the Legislature on the activities and progress of the unit.

Fiscal Note:      available

Appointments by Legislature Required:     One representative appointed by the Speaker; one senator appointed by the President.

Senate Committee - Testified: JUDICIARY:  Senator Owen; Larry Erickson, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Dan Nolen, Green River Task Force of King County Police Department; George Tellevik, Chief, Washington State Patrol

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  George Tellevik, Chief, Washington State Patrol