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LETTER TO THE EDITOR |
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CONTACT: Lauren Rooney |
State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
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Friday, April 13, 2007
To: Editorial page editor
From: State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, D-Berks
Subject: State’s outstanding warrant database
Please publish the following letter to the editor from state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone regarding the state’s new computer system that tracks outstanding warrants. If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Rooney at 717-787-7895 or by e-mail at lrooney@pahouse.net.
Soft on crime? I think not.
For too long, Democrats have been labeled as “soft on crime.” I would like to point out that a new tool, as noted in your article of April 9, that is helping Pennsylvania law enforcement capture criminals was the work of state Democrats.
With the click of a mouse, Pennsylvania’s judicial computer system will allow authorities to search an extensive database of outstanding warrants and capture fugitives who may have moved to a new county in an effort to avoid detection.
This system was born of a bill crafted and supported by state Democrats. In the late 1980s, I sponsored H.B. 247 that created the fund for the judicial computer system. I am pleased to see the system is such a success.
Not only will the database help law enforcement capture criminals, but it will also allow government officials and the public to compare how courts are performing from county to county.
And as they say in those late-night kitchen utensil commercials, “But wait, there’s more.”
As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I am hosting a series of public hearings across the state on crime, violence and gun legislation. My fellow House Democrats and I are pushing legislation aimed at attacking criminal gangs by defining what constitutes gang activity and establishing penalties for taking part in these groups. In addition, we are working to improve our schools and create jobs so our young people have a positive alternative to a life of crime.
With a Democratic majority to lead the way, the House is working harder than ever to let the criminal element know that they are not welcome here.
Yours truly,
State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
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