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Monroe lawmaker applauds
investigation of post-release convicts accused of killing three police
officers
Rep. Kirk Pearson,
R-Monroe, today applauded the governor for her recent announcement that
she will investigate three recent cases in which inmates on post-release
supervision are accused of causing the deaths of three law enforcement
officers.
“We need answers as to why the state is having problems tracking felons
after they are released into our communities. It’s very obvious to me
and the citizens that the system is not working to the standards we
expect. The recent tragedies point out the serious flaws of
rehabilitation without accountability. We must enact strong measures so
folks are confident the system protects them,” said Pearson.
King County sheriff's deputy Steve Cox, a former prosecutor, was slain
early Saturday after a deadly encounter with a felon. Seattle officers
Joselito Barber and Beth Novak died since August in car crashes
involving ex-convicts under state supervision.
Pearson says that the loss of heroes like Officers Barber and Novak and
Deputy Cox are a wake-up call to state legislators to make corrections
and adjustments to the system. And, he says, he will work on and support
any legislation that adds much-needed community protection enhancements.
“It may be that we need more resources, stricter penalties for failing
to show up for a mandatory probation check-in or housing that confines
felons in solid boundaries,” said Pearson. “We can work on an answer,
but whatever the discussion is, we must be willing to take an approach
that amply protects our law enforcement professionals and our state’s
citizens. I’ll make this a priority issue to tackle in the 2007
session.”
The 105-day 2007 legislative session begins Jan. 8.
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Rep. Pearson, recently elected to his
fourth term in the House, serves as the Ranking Republican on the House
Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee.
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