(Correcting the name of the bill’s sponsor)
A state lawmaker suggests the current standard for notifying law enforcement agencies of jail escapes is far too long. A national standard says jail escapes should go into state and national law enforcement computers within 72 hours. But Representative Shannon Pace of Northwoods thinks the notification of the breakout should go into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System within five hours.
The Highway Patrol’s MULES system patches into the National Crime Information System, which circulates information throughout the country.
Ferguson police chief Tom Jackson says the proposed law could head off a lot of difficulties. “Any type of prison escapee can cause problems for communities and law enforcement,” he tells lawmakers. He says the bill would allow a more rapid response than the current 72-hour reporting system.
the director of the division that manages the Patrol’s MULES system says five hours after an escape is confirmed should not be a problem–although the MULES system does not have the technology to transmit pictures or video as part of its notification.
Pace’s bill is under study by a House committee.