Hatfield to streamline missing persons procedures

When a child goes missing, time and information are two crucial factors that law enforcement officials have to deal with to ensure a successful recovery and happy reunion with family members.

Wednesday, lawmakers in the Senate Judiciary Committee began considering a bill that seeks to streamline the current processes used by the law enforcement community to execute a missing persons report.

"Recent laws have certainly improved things," said Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, who is a main sponsor of Senate Bill 5191. "Now we want to take the lessons we've learned and use them to improve the process."

One of the major changes to the system will be the processing and distribution of data concerning a missing person. Previously, the standard for entering background information into the state missing persons computerized network was within 12 hours of receiving a report. "We're suggesting that the information be input without delay to improve the chances of finding a missing person closer to home," said Hatfield. "We're also looking at getting biological samples into the appropriate laboratory as soon as possible in case it's needed in a forensics investigation. We also think that it's a good idea to keep info on the state missing persons website until the person is found, instead of automatically removing it after 30 days as they've been doing."

The new law will also direct the Washington State Forensics Investigations Council and the Washington Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners to provide training in missing persons procedures at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Constituents may contact Hatfield through his Senate office at 360-786-7636 or e-mail him at Hatfield.Brian@leg.wa.gov, and can visit his Senate Web page at www.sdc.wa.gov/hatfield.htm to keep track of specific issues or areas of interest.