Arnold Ventures Applauds Pennsylvania Legislature for Advancing Efforts to Solve More Violent Crimes Faster

Arnold Ventures hailed passage of legislation to help state and local law enforcement solve more violent crimes across the state. The bill, along with $2.5 million in funding, was included in the budget, which was approved and sent to the governor on Sunday. 

“The most effective way to deter crime is to convince would-be perpetrators that they will be caught and held accountable,” said Kevin Ring, Vice President of Criminal Justice Advocacy. ​“Solving more crimes faster is also the best way to deliver justice for victims and their families.” 

“We applaud the legislature for doubling down on the state’s recent success in improving clearance rates by investing in programs, personnel, and technology that work,” Ring said. Ring pointed to State Representatives Tim Briggs (D‑149), Joe Kerwin (R‑125), Jordan Harris D‑186), Sheryl Delozier (R‑88), and Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D‑50). as well as Sens. Joe Picozzi (R‑5), Lisa Baker (R‑20), and Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R‑41) for their leadership on the legislation. 

The budget bill language comes largely from the bipartisan VICTIM Act (HB 1511/SB 911), introduced by Reps. Briggs and Kerwin and Sen. Picozzi. It provides state funding for local law enforcement to use for detective training and retention; upgraded investigative technology; and support for people affected by unsolved violence. The funds will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.