SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6215

BYSenators Patrick, Warnke, Rasmussen and Nelson

Creating a Crime Stoppers assistance office.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1990; January 26, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6215 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, Niemi, Patrick, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7459)

                  January 29, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

"Crime Stoppers" is a self-sustaining program which allies the news media, the community, and law enforcement in the fight against serious felony crime.  Without reliable information from witnesses about the identity of criminals, the chance of solving any particular crime is drastically reduced.  Realizing that some individuals are unwilling to volunteer information either because of apathy or fear of criminal retaliation, Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards and anonymity to persons who provide details leading to the arrest or charging of suspected criminals.

Crime Stoppers has been successfully employed in major areas of Washington, as well as elsewhere in the United States.  With state assistance, other regions or jurisdictions can begin similar successful programs.

SUMMARY:

The Attorney General is required to establish a Crime Stoppers assistance office.  This office must work in conjunction with Crime Stoppers organizations, sheriffs, and police chiefs to design local Crime Stopper programs and provide them with training and assistance.

Law enforcement agencies with qualified Crime Stoppers programs may receive grants from the assistance office.  Certain restrictions are outlined regarding the disbursal of these funds.  Maximum grant levels for county or city Crime Stoppers programs are established.

A nine-member advisory commission is appointed by the Attorney General to periodically review the Crime Stoppers program and report to the Legislature not later than January 1 of each year.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Clarifying amendments are added regarding the maximum grant levels for county and city Crime Stoppers programs.

Appropriation:    unspecified

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ken Eikenberry, Attorney General (pro); Judge Richard Carter, Crime Stoppers International (pro); Detective Myrle Carner, Seattle-King Co. Crime Stoppers (pro); Michael John Shadow, Seattle-King Co. Crime Stoppers (pro); R.C. Farnkoff, Kennewick Police Dept. (pro); Scott Kimerer, King Co. Police (pro); Michael Blatman, Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers (pro); Stan McNaughton, Seattle-King Co. Crime Stoppers and Pemco Financial Center (pro); Bill Hepburn, Seattle Police Dept. (pro)