Tweaking the law would allow cops to make use of new technology, save time and help their bottom line.
New legislation being considered at the capitol would allow law enforcement to file criminal complaints more efficiently — via email, and according to state Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, it would save resources without sacrificing fairness or public safety.
“At a time when we have greater fiscal concerns than ever this is an opportunity for us to keep more law enforcement officers on the street versus having them sit in a courthouse.”
Oregon Police Chief Doug Pettit says police officers currently spend countless hours traveling to and from District Attorney offices for a simple two-minute filing process. Some times, he says, making two to three trips a day, totaling hundreds of hours a year.
“With shrinking budgets and shrinking staffs … this money will help law enforcement save money across the state.”
Van Hollen explains in laymen terms how passing the so-called e-signature bill (SB-467) would be a “fiscally prudent” move.
“This simple change in legislation adds the equivilant of at least an additional officer on the street.”
Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard calls it a logical evolution of the law. A Senate committee held a public hearing on the bill last week (Thursday).
NOTE: Bill was discussed at the Senate Committee on Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing. Authored by Senator Jauch and Representative Hebl.
Jackie Johnson report 1:29