Arlen Specter

I think there is a gigantic problem in Philadelphia today called witness intimidation, tragic stories told by Mr. Clowden and Mr. Canada, tragic stories.

When murderers get away with it because witnesses are intimidated, there's no evidence, as we heard in the testimony, that's a total breakdown of the rule of law.

The response may be, very directly, to instruct children in school that there's a duty to cooperate with law enforcement.

If law enforcement breaks down because of some misguided notion about being a snitch, it's something we have to deal with.

Would you feel bad about being considered to be a snitch?

They want to police their own people?

Let's stick with my examples, unless you want to be elected and run your own hearing.

Well, if you don't have the motivation to get a lesser sentence, you would not be a snitch?

I take that as a yes answer.

The only improvement that I could say that I've really noticed, because I actually was a part of the gang era--I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s--and I do commend them for stopping the gang wars.

Well, are you saying that it's a prevailing attitude in Philadelphia?

Would he be regarded as a snitch?

Is that person a snitch?

That's a big distinguishing factor.

Do you think it would be appropriate to have Federal legislation which would make it a Federal crime to intimidate a State court witness?

When you criticize the Inquirer article, don't you think that there are major problems in the system which need action, such as the fugitives--estimated, one figure, 47,000 fugitives--with the need to have resources devoted to apprehending…

One action is to try to encourage and support grants to cities like Philadelphia for witness protection programs.

Well, you have identified a problem of sufficient intensity that it requires a response, in my opinion.

What's wrong with reporting a crime, especially if it's a crime against yourself?

You don't have to be respectful. Why do you argue no?

Because he was going to be a witness?

Or suffering. To be burned to death is a pretty horrible fate.

Did the boy who tried to burn down the house want Eric to participate with him in selling drugs?

They could use the testimony at the preliminary hearing.

When some prospective witness comes to complain to the police department about intimidation or threats, do you have the manpower to begin to cope with witness protection?