SB 5218 Would Require Govt Employees to Report Wanted Individuals on Public Prop

[bigtex]

This is an interesting bill that isn't tied directly to public lands in terms of the DNR/WDFW/Parks land that we think of but rather any land owned by state or local agency.

SB 5218 which has bipartisan support would require state and local employees who observe someone they believe to have a warrant issued for their arrest on state/local agency property to immediately notify law enforcement. The bill is mirrored after other "mandatory reporter" laws such as teachers who think a student may be abused, or a LEO who thinks a child might be abused.

Here is an example of what this bill would look like: Jim is a City of Ellensburg maintenance worker who is mowing grass at the local park. He sees John Doe who he went to high school with, Jim believes that John has a warrant issued for his arrest. Since Jim is a public employee he is required to notify law enforcement that John is on public property.

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5218.pdf

[Special T]

Sweet!  This is obviously to combat crime. It's been. Said by Leo's that I know a huge majority of crime is done by a small % of the population. Mostly known trouble makers.

[Knocker of rocks]

Said by Leo's that I know a huge majority of crime is done by a small % of the population. Mostly known trouble makers.

That's a duh.

[Mudman]

Poorly constructed.  First they wouldn't know unless they monitor wanted lists.  Second lawsuits would shut it down for profiling and discrimination or something.  Third LEO would get tired of false reports.   

[bigtex]

Poorly constructed.  First they wouldn't know unless they monitor wanted lists.  Second lawsuits would shut it down for profiling and discrimination or something.  Third LEO would get tired of false reports.   

People are stupid and talk about their warrants. LEOs get false reports all the time, it's amazing how many people call 911 to report they saw someone they knew had a warrant but in reality they're not wanted.

I see more people get in trouble for not turning someone in (covering for a friend as an example) rather then the issues you listed.

[Special T]

Said by Leo's that I know a huge majority of crime is done by a small % of the population. Mostly known trouble makers.

That's a duh.

My point is aiding in getting these dirt bags off the street will make everyone life better. If this bill is poorly written the intent is to get these jack wagons of the street.  Obviously the writer of the bill could use some Leo experience/advice.

[dreamunelk]

This law makes absolutely no sense.  It will not get dirt bags of the streets.   How do you prove someone knows that dirt bag Joe has a warrant?  In just the few hours I was in the field today I seen four individuals who I know have a history with LE and are known problems.  I don't know if they have warrants.  I am willing to bet they do.  Often when they want someone bad I will know who to look for and usually vehicle information.  And will pass along if I observe.  I am certainly not going to waste their time because I think someone has a warrant just like I am not going call because I think someone violated.  I will call when I no they violated.  Sometimes it is an immediate call and others I will talk to local LE later. 

I think it would make more sense to make an effort to publish warrant information at the local level more often and strive to get more public help by providing them with more information.  However, I can see this becoming a burden on some departments also.  Could generate a lot of calls when more important things are happening and them people will be mad because LE did not respond as fast as they thought they would.

Does LE search after everyone with a warrant.  I know that sometimes someone is stopped and has a warrant but, know one will take them and they are let go.

I can also see some employees calling fire way to often. 

I can not imagine a public employee not reporting someone with a known warrant.  So have to wonder who thought this up and what was the reasoning.  My credibility would shot if I now that dirt bag Joe was seriously wanted and did not report seeing him.