Conservatively Speaking

Legislature approves Wisconsin Crime Alert Network

Posted by Mary Lazich on April 27, 2010

Legislation

During August 2008, I proposed that Wisconsin create a Silver Alert system to notify the public about an elderly person wandering or becoming lost. The state Legislature this session approved Senate Bill 533 (SB 533) that establishes the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network administered by the Department of Justice. The Crime Alert Network would provide, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau, “information regarding known or suspected criminal activity, crime prevention, and missing or endangered persons to state agencies, law enforcement officers, and members of the private sector.”

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen gave written testimony in support of SB 533 during February 2010. Attorney General Van Hollen writes, in part:

“Here is how it will work. Law enforcement trained by the Department of Justice to use the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network would send out messages to participating businesses and members of the community about criminal activity, criminal trends, or missing persons. By using a drop down menu, those messages can be distributed to specific geographic regions—or even statewide—and specify the type of private entity to receive the message.

Participants and law enforcement would then receive an email or fax with the message. Alerted and armed with information, participants can be on the lookout for unusual behavior or identified suspects. This will help them protect themselves—and help them alert law enforcement.

Sometimes statewide distribution will be appropriate. Take for example an abducted child. An alert containing pictures of the child could be sent throughout the network, and those on the lookout can report sightings to law enforcement.

Senate Bill 533 authorizes the creation of the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network. Creation of the system will not require any general revenue. It authorizes the Department of Justice to charge a nominal fee to those private entities that choose to participate. In Minnesota, where a similar network has been in existence for over 15 years, the network has been used in the apprehension of suspects who have been responsible for more than $3 million worth of crimes including forgery, theft and burglary. It has also assisted in locating at least 10 missing people.”

Here is the Attorney General’s statement. 

SB 533 that I co-sponsored now goes to Governor Doyle for his consideration. In the interest of greater public safety, I urge the governor to sign this critical legislation into law.