Legislative Update

Here are several important legislative measures that have been introduced in Congress. Let your Congressman know what you think about them.

POLICE OFFICERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
Congressmen Jim Ramstad (R-Minn) and Bob Barr (R-Ga) have introduced separate bills that would establish specific procedures for internal police investigations, interrogation of law enforcement officers, and administrative proceedings leading to the discipline of policemen. The police unions support the bills, while the police chiefs and administrators oppose them. Congressman Barr's bill is less comprehensive and thus stands a better chance of passing.

ASSET FORFEITURE
It is has been standard procedure that proceeds and instruments used to commit crimes are confiscated by law enforcement officials. This is especially applicable to criminals who engage in drug trafficking and money laundering. Recently, there have been cases in which otherwise innocent people have been deprived of property (for instance, a driver of a car who did not know that his passenger was carrying drugs). This has prompted Congress to propose laws necessitating a higher burden of proof before assets are seized, in addition to a five-year statute of limitations for citizens to make claims, and the elimination of bond procedures.

ENCRYPTION
Telecommunications systems have been increasingly used by technologically advanced criminals to mask their activities by using encryption techniques which prevent anyone from looking at computer-generated information. Under the proposed Cyberspace Electronic Security Act, authorized law enforcement agencies could obtain search warrants and surreptitiously procure decryption keys to computer codes, all without notifying the suspect of the investigation. This highly controversial legislation is being opposed by privacy groups.


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