So this is a national problem. Those figures cited not only Federal, but State and local as well, correct?
There was an effort made in the Constitutional Convention of 1969 to change the election of judges.
We have had a number of efforts to bring the Federal Government into the bail picture.
I think a hybrid of appointment and direct election, I think, would be helpful in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Would there be any utility in having a separate offense or indicting for a separate criminal charge?
Because the appellate courts have upheld it. There is a constitutional right to a jury trial, so we can't change it by legislation.
There have been some suggestions of seeking family sureties with the home property as collateral. Do you think that is worth exploring?
Why should it take until May to start entering these fugitives in the national system?
We want to be helpful to you. You've got a big job and we want to help you carry it out.
So your point is, you've had insufficient funding to have the personnel to handle these problems?
The factual situation also, as reported, is that Philadelphia is owed $1 million in bail monies, but they cannot be collected because of the...
Well, we will pursue it, Mr. Preski, as you say, with the individuals who are charged to try to find out where the laxity has been and why i...
Two hundred and fifty thousand.
And how does that work?
Senator Durbin and Senator Elizabeth Dole had similar legislation.
So it's a breakdown nationally, not just Philadelphia. We've got a lot of company.
When was the decision made to start putting Philadelphia fugitives into the national system next May?
A $250 deposit?
