HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS
HB 1610
Title: An act relating to community involvement in stopping crime.
Brief Description: Funding the Crime Stoppers program.
Sponsors: Representatives Delvin, Lovick, Poulsen, Keiser, DeBolt, Morris, Wensman, Ruderman, Reardon, Wolfe, McDonald, Cooper, Mielke, Schoesler, Campbell, Miloscia, O'Brien, Conway, Fisher, Cody, Kenney, Kessler and Wood.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Crime Stoppers is a community-based program that joins law enforcement, the community, and the media in an alliance to generate public awareness and assistance with solving crimes. These programs are usually operated by local law enforcement agencies who may televise profiles of offenders and offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals. In addition, crime stopper programs may host a variety of crime prevention and diversion-type programs in area neighborhoods.
Summary:
The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) is required to contract with the Crime Stoppers of Washington Association to provide grants to local law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions with crime stopper programs. Grant funds will be allocated to local crime stoppers programs according to guidelines established by the association. At least 25 percent of the grants given in a biennium must be for training, public awareness, and establishing new programs. Grants may be used for operating costs and newly created programs may use grant monies for rewards. Existing programs may not use grant monies for rewards. Law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions may not receive more than one grant during each biennium. The grant may be made either to start a program or expand an existing program, but not both.
The Crime Stoppers of Washington Association must review the local programs receiving grants and report on their progress to the Legislature by the first of January of each year.