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Click here to download high resolution photo - Law enforcement meeting
with Rep. Barbara Bailey
Click here to download high resolution photo - Police Chief Steve Almon
and Sheriff Mark Brown
Bailey concerned with local effects of offender
re-entry program
10th District lawmaker meets with local law
enforcement to determine priorities
Citizens in the 10th
Legislative District have been very fortunate to live in an area that is
relatively free of violent crime.
Rep.
Barbara Bailey wants to keep it that way.
Bailey is concerned that
an "offender re-entry" bill which passed the 2007 legislative session
and became law could have serious consequences with the crime rate in
local communities.
Senate Bill 6157, which Bailey opposed, requires inmates who have
served their time to be released to the county in which they committed
their first crimes.
This week, Bailey held
meetings in Oak Harbor and Burlington with local law enforcement
officials to discuss public safety issues, including the new law.
"Our local police and
sheriffs' offices share the same concern. While we don't expect a large
amount of offenders to be released back into our local communities, we
want to ensure that proper resources are in place to be prepared for
those who do return," said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. "The most basic duty of government is
ensuring the protection of our citizens. It's vital that our
communities stay safe and that our law enforcement officers have the
tools and support necessary to do their jobs."
During the meetings,
Bailey took notes as the heads of local law enforcement outlined their
concerns about a wide range of public safety issues, including
monitoring of sex offenders and how to pay for health care mandated for
those in custody.
"It's extremely
important to keep an open dialogue with our public safety officials.
They are the ones who are enforcing the laws we make in Olympia and they
are on the front lines keeping our neighborhoods safe," added Bailey.
"These discussions were very productive and have provided good feedback
that I will examine as we prepare for the legislative session in
January."
In an effort to gain input
from 10th District residents, Bailey is preparing a public safety survey
to be mailed to local citizens. She also plans to host a series of
"Coffee Talks" in October at local coffee shops in the 10th District to have
informal discussions with citizens on public safety and other issues.
# # #
PHOTO 1: Rep. Barbara
Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, (center) takes notes as local law enforcement
officers discuss public safety needs and concerns during a meeting
Monday at the Oak Harbor City Hall.
Click here to download high resolution photo.
PHOTO 2: Rep. Barbara
Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, (left) discusses public safety issues with Oak
Harbor Police Chief Steve Almon (center) and Island County Sheriff Mark
Brown during a meeting Monday at the Oak Harbor City Hall.
Click here to download high resolution photo.
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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