Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 11, 2012 03:45 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Violent crime prevention study resolution |
| I am reintroducing Senate Resolution 8 of last session, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the issue of violent crime, to review proposals that address the issue of violent crime, and to report to the Senate with its findings and recommendations. The resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee consisting of criminal justice experts. The advisory committee must be balanced so that it encompasses a wide-range of backgrounds and viewpoints. Pennsylvania cities of all sizes have experienced significant violent crime often related to drug trafficking, gangs and violence using guns. Violent crime affects all Pennsylvanians including the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. In recent sessions both houses of the General Assembly have recognized the need to address the issue of violent crime. The Senate Judiciary Committee held four public hearings on urban violence in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Altoona and Harrisburg. Witnesses at these public hearings made dozens of legislative and administrative recommendations to address the violence. Testifying at the Harrisburg public hearing, the Fraternal Order of Police proposed the formation of a Joint State Government Commission advisory committee to review these recommendations. In addition, the House of Representatives held a Committee of the Whole to discuss dozens of crime-fighting proposals. There are also many violence-prevention programs in place around the nation that represent “best practices” and should be considered for adoption in Pennsylvania. There is a need for a comprehensive study of the proposals made to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the proposals considered by the Committee of the Whole, and any other proposals or best practices which would help alleviate the violence. The advisory committee will compile the information obtained from the judiciary committee hearings, review the proposals made by witnesses and those considered by the House of Representatives, plus other programs in place around the country, and develop a consensus course of action for the General Assembly. The resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to report back to the Senate with its findings and recommendations no later than two years from the date the resolution is adopted. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported this resolution from committee in a prior session. |