(1) The legislature finds that each of the state's justice agencies and the courts have developed independent information systems to address independent management and planning needs, that the state's justice information system is fragmented, and that access to complete, accurate, and timely justice information is difficult and inefficient.

     (2) The legislature declares that the purpose of chapter 104, Laws of 2003 is to develop and maintain, in a cost-effective manner, a statewide network of criminal justice information that enables sharing and integrated delivery of justice information maintained in the state's independent information systems and that will:

     (a) Maximize standardization of data and communications technology among law enforcement agencies, jails, prosecuting attorneys, the courts, corrections, and licensing;

     (b) Reduce redundant data collection and input efforts;

     (c) Reduce or eliminate paper-based information exchanges;

     (d) Improve work flow within the criminal justice system;

     (e) Provide complete, accurate, and timely information to criminal justice agencies and courts in a single computer session; and

     (f) Maintain security and privacy rights respecting criminal justice information.

     (3) Statewide coordination of criminal justice information will improve:

     (a) The safety of the public and the safety of law enforcement officers and other public servants, by making more complete, accurate, and timely information concerning offenders available to all criminal justice agencies and courts;

     (b) Decision making, by increasing the availability of statistical measures for review, evaluation, and promulgation of public policy; and

     (c) Access to complete, accurate, and timely information by the public, to the extent permitted pursuant to chapters 10.97 and 42.56 RCW.

     (4) The legislature encourages state and local criminal justice agencies and courts to collaborate in the development of justice information systems, as criminal justice agencies and courts collect the most complete, accurate, and timely information regarding offenders.

     (5) The legislature finds that the implementation, operation, and continuing enhancement of a statewide justice information network that enables sharing and integrated delivery of information maintained in the state's independent information systems is critical to the complete, accurate, and timely performance of criminal background checks and to the effective communications between and among law enforcement, the courts, executive agencies, and political subdivisions of the state. The legislature further finds and declares that it is in the best interests of the citizens of the state and for the enhancement of public safety that the Washington integrated justice information board be created as soon as possible.

     (6) The legislature finds that the intent, purpose, and goals of chapter 104, Laws of 2003 will be implemented most effectively by a board having the power, authority, and responsibility to develop, maintain, and enhance a statewide justice information network that enables sharing and integrated delivery of justice information maintained in the state's independent information systems.

[2005 c 274 § 208; 2003 c 104 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 2005 c 274: See RCW 42.56.901 and 42.56.902.