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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy Figard |
State Rep. Bill Kortz |
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Kortz bill would prevent premature publishing of
search and arrest warrants
HARRISBURG, May 29 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would prevent the publishing of search and arrest warrants on the Internet until seven days after the warrant has been issued.
“Recently, it has come to my attention that the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System updated its Internet access policy and an unfortunate loophole occurred as a result,” Kortz said. “Some search warrants were revealed on the Internet prior to their being served and executed, thereby nullifying their purpose and effect.”
House Bill 1117 would prevent Pennsylvania courts, magisterial district judges and officers or employees from making search and arrest warrants available to the public via the Internet until seven days after the warrant has been issued.
Kortz noted the premature announcement of a pending investigation can result in allowing suspects to destroy or hide evidence, or escape or evade capture. He said if the trend continues, law enforcement officers could be put at further risk when serving search or arrest warrants.
“While it is my understanding that the Unified Judicial System has taken measures to prevent this situation, I feel legislation is needed to help protect our law enforcement officers and allow our prosecutors the ability to gather important evidence,” Kortz said.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
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