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Collaborative legislative actions for law enforcement and security professionals
UPDATE -- Senator John Whitmire
�Life ain�t what it used to be.� During this day and age, the American public is well aware of the unthinkable. Whereas homeland security was once a phrase only a few knew, now it�s something we hear and worry about every day. Nowadays, law enforcement officials are busier than ever.
That is why providing law enforcement officials with the tools necessary to protect the public is so crucial. It has been and remains to be a top priority of mine and is a major element in my stance on maintaining a tough but smart criminal justice system for the state of Texas. The necessary tools are not only the laws and resources, but also sufficient benefit and retirement plans, looking out for the families of the fallen, protecting them as much as they protect us.
During the 78th Legislative session I authored or sponsored several bills that provided some of these essential tools. I did this at the request and support of law enforcement and security officials, plugging gaps in their efforts to protect our citizens.
I authored SB 1896 to protect the public from confessed felons, where the police did not have other supporting evidence. I was appalled to learn that if an offender confessed to a felony to the police, they were unable to take the offender into custody. They now can make a warrant less arrest, holding the individual for completion of the investigation. I have been advised by Houston Police Detectives that this will be an invaluable tool for them in these instances.
I also authored SB 840, authorizing police to pursue suspected drunk drivers and stop them outside their jurisdiction. Again, this bill was supported by municipal police agencies in my district and Mothers against Drunk Drivers.
Working together with several House members I also sponsored a number or bills and passed them through the Senate for the benefit of law enforcement efforts. I sponsored HB 155 by Representative West, prohibiting register sex offenders from owning or working in a sexually oriented business or by being employed by such and providing criminal penalty and prosecution. This bill will aid in preventing additional abuses by known individuals who have demonstrated their tendencies and may continue to present a clear and present danger to unsuspecting citizens.
I sponsored HB 1326 by Representative Martinez, et al, known as the �street racer bill,� aimed at curtailing irresponsible street racers and enhanced the penalties for the dangerous action of participants, who disregarded the safety of the driving public. This effort was supported by both the Houston and San Antonio Police Departments.
To provide for enhanced safety for private correctional companies staff, I sponsored HB 2525 by Representative Ellis, providing protection against assault to correction officers working a private facility that contracts its services to the State of Texas and equates such an attack to those against a state employee working in a state facility. These assaults were upgraded to third degree felonies.
All of these bills became effective on September 1, 2003.
There is still a lot of work to be done. The 79th legislative session will begin on January 11, 2005 and I intend to work with my senate and house colleagues in order to continue our efforts in providing the necessary tools. As chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, I look forward to developing upon recommendations from the committee�s interim charges, to bring forth additional assets in the areas of protection from identity theft and ensuring the safeguarding of the state�s driver license system. Both of these are very critical issues for homeland security concerns. As always I look forward to working with our fine law enforcement and security professionals to further advance the protection of our Texas citizens and our homeland security efforts.
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