WHEREAS,
Witness intimidation is a powerful weapon used by violent criminals to instill fear and a reluctance to cooperate with law enforcement; and
WHEREAS
, There has been a violent trend in the City of Philadelphia. Last year alone, there were 380 homicides, up from 349 in 2003. And, this year appears to be following this tragic pattern. Since January 1, 2006 and as of February 15th , there have been 41 homicides; and
WHEREAS
, One of these homicide victims was Tyreese Allen, who on February 3, 2006 was murdered because he choose to come forward and testify against a violent criminal; and
WHEREAS,
Without witnesses, it is nearly impossible to prosecute violent criminals; and
WHEREAS
, The most effective way to combat witness intimidation is to ensure witness protection; and
WHEREAS
, While there is already a pool of $500,000 available through the state Attorney General’s Office for witness relocation expenses, this fund is for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and does not cover key components such as financial incentives or advertising; and
WHEREAS
, The revolving fund would be dedicated to a witness protection and relocation program, combined with a financial incentive component to entice witnesses to come forward and cooperate in the apprehension and prosecution of violent criminals. The fund would also go towards an advertising component to educate and heighten city-wide public awareness of the program’s existence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
, That we hereby propose an amendment to Bill No. 060003 which provides for the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2007 and a corresponding amendment to Res. No. 060019 which provides for the Five-Year Financial Plan to establish a $2.5 million fund to provide a witness protection and relocation program on behalf of the District Attorney’s office.
End