SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5538

BYSenators 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 10, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 9, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Currently the Washington State Patrol drug control assistance unit provides investigative assistance for enforcement of narcotic and drug laws.  It has been suggested that the unit be expanded to include major crimes investigation and assistance.

SUMMARY:

A unit is created within the Washington State Patrol to provide statewide expertise and assistance in major crimes investigation 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.

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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The major crimes investigation and assistance unit shall be established as separate and distinct from the drug control assistance unit.  The Chief of the Washington State Patrol has sole authority to grant or deny a request for the unit's assistance.  "Major crimes" include first and second degree homicide, rape, kidnapping, and missing persons cases.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

Language clarifying the relationship between the major crimes assistance unit and drug control assistance unit is added.

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