SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5894

BYSenators Owen, Lee, Warnke, Stratton, von Reichbauer and Rasmussen

Creating a major crimes investigation and assistance unit in the office of the attorney general.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Ben Barnes (786-7465)

AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Patrol currently maintains a separate unit which provides expertise and assistance to law enforcement entities throughout the state regarding the investigation of certain major crimes.

It is recommended that the powers, duties, and functions of the Washington State Patrol pertaining to the investigation of major crimes be transferred to the Office of the Attorney General.

SUMMARY:

A major crimes investigation and assistance unit is created in the Criminal Division of the Office of the Attorney General.  The unit is authorized to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Washington and to cooperate with other states and nations in investigations that may be related to crimes committed within this state. 

The unit is required to develop a computer data bank and record system to store crime scene information, suspect lists, criminal evidence, and other relevant information for the use of law enforcement agencies throughout the state.  The unit is also required to work with other state agencies, states, the federal government, and other nations in developing compatible systems for collecting and disseminating criminal information.

All powers, duties, and functions of the Washington State Patrol pertaining to the investigation of major crimes are transferred to the Attorney General.  The Washington State Patrol is required to deliver all reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, and other relevant written materials pertaining to the investigation of major crimes to the Attorney General.  All furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the Washington State Patrol in the investigation of major crimes are transferred to the Attorney General.  All funds, credits, or other assets held by the Washington State Patrol with respect to the investigation of major crimes are assigned to the Attorney General.  The Attorney General is required to perform all existing contracts and obligations undertaken by the Washington State Patrol with respect to the investigation of major crimes.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 23, 1989