MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Ford

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-39-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DESIGNATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE STATEWIDE CRIME STOPPERS ADVISORY COUNCIL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 45-39-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-39-5. (1) The council shall employ a person to serve as its director or, with the concurrence of the Commissioner of Public Safety, shall designate * * * an employee of the Department of Public Safety to serve as director of the council. The council shall establish the authority and responsibilities of the director.

(2) The council shall:

(a) Advise and assist in the creation of local crime stoppers programs;

(b) Foster the detection of crime and encourage persons to report information about criminal acts;

(c) Encourage news and other media to promote local crime stoppers programs and to inform the public of the functions of the council;

(d) Assist local crime stoppers programs in forwarding information about criminal acts to the appropriate law enforcement agencies; and

(e) Help law enforcement agencies detect and combat crime by increasing the flow of information to and between law enforcement agencies.

(3) The council may adopt rules to carry out its duties under this chapter.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.