A MESSAGE FROM MARC

In the recent techno-crime movie, The Net, Sandra Bullock instantly accesses her forged criminal history, complete with photo, on a computer monitor. It's a technology we see constantly in movies and on TV, and I think most of us assume that it must be based in reality. But if it is, why were Sonoma County Sheriff's deputies unable to access the criminal history of Richard Alien Davis the night they had him in custody -- the night beautiful 12-year-old Polly was abducted and murdered?

Unfortunately, the answer is simple -- there was no super computer system to aid Polly that fateful evening. In fact, until quite recently, access to comprehensive histories of known felons existed only in theory. In some states, a violent felon can cross county lines and effectively erase his criminal history. This makes it almost impossible to adequately investigate, charge, or prosecute repeat felons, leaving them to prey on an innocent and unsuspecting public .

Art Becomes Reality

However, the technology to access this vital information does now exist: California's experimental Violent Crime Information Network (VCIN) gives law enforcement abilities equal to those imagined by film makers. It allows them to effectively track and monitor violent predators through many diverse criteria -- by name, physical description, vehicle registration identifying body marks, tattoos, etc.. The VCIN would have prevented Richard Alien Davis from evading law enforcement for 65 days while we were looking for Polly.

Vital Data Cheaper, Faster

The VCIN uses information from the DMV database, the Department of Justice sex offender registry, probation files, federal offender files, and local and regional systems. Information can be downloaded directly to patrol Cars, giving officers a better tool for protecting themselves and the public. Police and incident reports are entered directly into the system, circumventing much paperwork. And it does all this without requiring changes to existing databases, making it cost- effective as well.

Calling for Citizen Support

That's the good news. Unfortunately, California is strapped for cash, and is unable to adequately fund this vital project. Currently, the VCIN is being implemented very successfully on a pilot project basis in San Mateo and San Diego Counties. But the United States deserves a fully implemented model from which to pattern similar programs throughout the country, meaning that both state and federal dollars are needed. I encourage citizens of all states to contact their legislators drawing attention to this important innovation and urging support of VCIN.

Marc Klaas