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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Bill
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State Rep. Cherelle
Parker |
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Parker: House takes major step to help protect witnesses
Phila. lawmaker’s bill to establish state witness protection program passes House
HARRISBURG, July 2 – A measure introduced by state Rep. Cherelle L. Parker, D-Phila., that would formally create a statewide witness protection program in Pennsylvania unanimously passed the state House of Representatives today, two days before the nation celebrates Independence Day.
“It is only fitting that the House passed this measure so close to the July Fourth holiday,” Parker said. “We have claimed a new Independence Day for the hundreds of witnesses who have been intimidated, threatened and harmed for doing what they believe is right.”
The bill (H.B. 27), which was introduced Jan. 30, would establish a permanent witness relocation program in Pennsylvania and ensure the program is sustained with adequate financial support. Parker said witnesses would be eligible for the state program if the prosecuting attorney determines there is credible evidence that a witness is in danger of being threatened or intimidated. Armed protection to and from trial, housing and basic living expenses, and relocation arrangements would be provided under the program.
“For too long, defendants in criminal cases have been allowed to use intimidation and threats to frighten and dissuade witnesses and victims from testifying against them in court,” Parker said. “Criminals who should be punished and taken off the streets are learning how to manipulate our system and continue their criminal behavior by seeking out witnesses and proliferating violence in our communities.”
Parker said the state Attorney General’s Office established a witness protection program in 2002 with federal funding. It has been highly successful in protecting witnesses from potential violence, she added. However, only the following counties participate in the program: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Clarion, Crawford, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Washington and Westmoreland.
Parker said with federal funding for the attorney general’s program set to run out, it is essential to make sure that the program is put into state law to secure its viability and require its existence for many years to come.
“Since 2002, the attorney general’s witness protection program has opened 412 cases in counties all across Pennsylvania and has made a major impact in protecting courageous citizens who step forward and do what is right for their communities,” Parker said. “There have been countless number of people across the Commonwealth who have truly benefited from this program, and my bill would make sure that future citizens and their families are protected.”
The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
“I am hopeful that the Senate will pass this bill and send it to the governor for his signature,” Parker added. “It’s the right thing to do to give new-found freedom to witnesses and allow them to have their own personal Independence Day from fear and potential violence.”
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Parker is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA200 (7-2-200) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.