1.4 Million Arrest Warrants unserved in PA!

[Agent Ronin]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070408/D8OCIJ400.html

By MARK SCOLFORO


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's new statewide computer system makes it possible for the first time to put a number on how many warrants remain unserved across the state - 1.4 million, including more than 100 for homicide, The Associated Press has found.

Pennsylvania is now the largest state to complete such a comprehensive court computer network, although several other large states - including California, New York and Ohio - are planning or implementing such systems, according to the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Va.

The database is designed, in part, to help authorities reach across county lines to capture fugitives who have moved to avoid detection. It will also allow government officials and the public to compare how courts are performing from county to county.

"Because of this automation, it's becoming harder to run from the law," said Steve Schell, spokesman for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Figures on the number of unserved warrants were generated by the state courts administration at the request of The Associated Press. The data, based on an April 1 snapshot, show the overwhelming number of outstanding warrants - 1.2 million - were for less serious offenses, including traffic violations.

However, in addition to the homicide cases there were thousands of outstanding warrants for such violent crimes as aggravated assault, sexual offenses and robbery. More common charges in the warrant database include drug offenses, drunken driving and theft.

The Armstrong County clerk of courts, Brenda George, said she has learned not to overreact when someone paying a fine at her counter triggers the computer system's yellow "WO" alert, indicating a warrant is pending. She quietly summons a deputy.

"We've had some circumstances where we've said 'Hold on, you have a warrant, we need to get the sheriff,' and they've run down the hall," she said.

The system, which went fully online in September, also gives the public instant Internet access to case docket information, with more detailed information - including access to the warrants - available to law enforcement and court officials.

"Better information equals better justice," said James E. McMillan, principal court technology consultant for the National Center for State Courts. "Because when you have more complete and more accurate information, you don't make as many mistakes."

The system also improves scheduling, makes it simpler to move cases from one level to the next, and gives judges more information about a person's background for setting bail.

Among other states, Indiana will be testing a new computer system in some counties in the next two years that will provide a statewide warrants database, said Mary L. DePrez, a technology officer with the Indiana Supreme Court.

Pennsylvania spent $105 million on its Common Pleas Case Management System, which required buying and installing more than 800 computers and training thousands of workers during the past three years.

[billamj]

Gee, I wonder if any of these unserved warrants could reflect the increased crime rate of the past few years?

[Agent Ronin]

Gee, I wonder if any of these unserved warrants could reflect the increased crime rate of the past few years?

//Dem Speak On//

Nope, nothing to do with it. Its all about guns, guns kill and we need to confiscate all of them

//Dem Speak Off//

Its sad to think that my sarcastic response is probably how some Dem's will actually spin that.

[billamj]

Its sad to think that my sarcastic response is probably how some Dem's will actually spin that.

No doubt about it. I can hear fat Eddie now, "This is proof positive that we must get a handle on all these guns on the streets. To that end today we are proposing outlawing all firearms except..." If that isn't enough to make you sick, I have no clue what will.

[Warners Surplus]

Well I know of one less to be served! The guy tried to purchase a handgun at my shop last week.

His warrant was outstanding since 1994.

The funny thing was, Pocono Twp. picked him up at the store. But PICS never called back to tell us he was denied until the next day.


Rich W.

[jdlv4_0]

1.4 million unserved warrants out there...

And people wonder why we carry guns.

[MarcS]

all i can think when i see a number like that is that there's too many laws.

[normanvin]

i wonder how many are multiple warrents for one person.

[FUNDAMENTALS]

There are a few areas of that 1.4 million that make me ask: How many are on
probation or parole?, How many are wanted for crimes or offenses while using
a weapon? Now you ask yourself with local, county, state, and federal officers,
if they caught and arrested 10% of them, where in the world would they be
detained before coming before the issuing authority for disposition? Do the math
and it is mind boggling.

[PA Dave]

How bout guantanamo bay???

Cuba?

How bout we not let the number become some millions till we deal with it?