Last week, Rick Tyler responded to my critical messages about violent crime in Prince George's County with a thoughtful reply that stressed the need for community involvement and prompt reporting of criminal activity.
Fear is one of the reasons members of the community do not do everything they could to help reduce crime.
Last year, the General Assembly had a couple of bills that attempted to address the problem of witness intimidation. Nothing happened, in large part because Prince George's County Delegate Joseph F. Vallario (D-27A), a trial lawyer, has opposed every bill that has been introduced in the past. And although he has said he believes there may a problem, I can't find anything to suggest that Vallario has ever submitted a positive proposal to deal with the issue.
Although I frequently disagree with the Baltimore Sun (both their editorials and their often slanted "news" stories), I recommend to you the story and editorial in the January 20 Sun. The Sun is supporting Gov. Ehrlich's proposed bill to deal with the issue.
- Proposals focus on witnesses who are intimidated; Evidence: Legislators and the Court of Appeals weigh the use of out-of-court statements by threatened - or murdered - accusers.
- Don't delay
Filed in: Del.Vallario
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