Committee Moves Regola’s Booking Centers Bill

Regional Centers Provide Police “One-Stop” Shops To Book Criminals

The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Regola that would help counties cover the costs of regional police “booking centers,” a top priority of the Westmoreland County Chiefs of Police Association.

Regional book centers use state of the art equipment and provide police a “one-stop shop” to process criminal defendants.  While counties can establish regional booking centers, they are currently not authorized to charge defendants a fee to cover the costs.  Senate Bill 397 allows counties to impose fees on those convicted of criminal offenses.

“The Westmoreland County Chiefs of Police have made it clear to me that regional booking centers are needed to help improve law enforcement in the county,” said Regola.  “These centers -- shared by many different departments -- use the latest in technology to provide fast and efficient processing for criminals and can make communities safer by allowing police to know who they have in their possession more rapidly.” 

Senator Regola introduced similar legislation last year that was passed by the Senate but was not considered by the House prior to the end of the 2005-06 Legislative Session. 

“I would like to thank Senator Regola for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Greensburg Police Chief Walter Lyons.  “Regional booking centers offer many benefits to police officers in their efforts to fight crime and protect citizens.  Through centralized processing, officers should save time otherwise lost to transporting suspects and other duties.  In addition, the ability to quickly identify people gives law enforcement agencies another important tool to detain individuals who may be subject to outstanding warrants.”

Booking centers, proposed for New Kensington, Murrysville, Latrobe, Greensburg and Rostraver in Westmoreland County, would each contain a “Live Scan” hand scanning device.  This device takes a digital image of a defendant’s palm and fingerprints and is able to transfer that information electronically to the Pennsylvania State Police. 

“The State Police can take that information and enter it into a number of databases nationwide to determine the defendant’s identity,” said Regola.  “This transfer of information takes only 7 minutes to complete.  When it comes to law enforcement and public safety, that speed is a vital factor, particularly in this age of heightened alertness.”

Senate Bill 397 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

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Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063