Thomas Daschle: “law enforcement agencies in every state rely increasingly on criminal history record information. Suspected criminals…”

“law enforcement agencies in every state rely increasingly on criminal history record information. Suspected criminals cross state lines and move between communities, creating an unprecedented need for greater cooperation between the 50 states and between states and the federal government to share this information. It is imperative that each state be able to take advantage of emerging technologies that make this cooperation possible. It is for that reason that I am pleased to cosponsor the State Grant Program for Criminal Justice Identification, Information and Communication. This legislation will help states upgrade their criminal justice information and identification operations, assist in integrating those operations, and make those operations compatible with the FBI's communication technology. Revolutionary technological improvements in communication systems allow localities separated by great distances to share information instantaneously. This communication between law enforcement agencies can make the difference between locating suspects and getting them off the streets, or leaving them free to commit more crimes. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that states have full access to new criminal history record technologies.”