Pearce to offer legislation to require private jails fully report to local law enforcement

HOLDEN, Mo. -- State Representative David Pearce, R-121 and candidate for the Missouri State Senate District 31, is proposing legislation that will require private jails to report certain incidents to local law enforcement.

The legislation would require private jails to notify local law enforcement immediately upon the escape of prisoners. Also a reasonable effort must be made to notify local landowners and residents. The legislation is prompted by the recent escape of two prisoners at the ICC private jail in western Johnson County near Holden. The Sheriff's office was not notified until 15 hours after the escape.

The legislation has the complete support of Johnson County Sheriff Charles Heiss.

"We welcome legislation that will help protect our citizens. We applaud Rep. Pearce on this proposed legislation and look forward to working with him to make this happen," Heiss said.

"The Department of Corrections is supportive of Representative Pearce's proposal, it will ensure that the safety of citizens in the community is the number one priority," said Larry Crawford, Director of the Department of Corrections.

Also showing support for the proposal was Cass County Sheriff Dwight Diehl, Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman, Executive Director of the Missouri Sheriffs Association Mick Covington, President of the Missouri Deputy Sheriffs Association Dave Boehm, Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Stoppy, Holden Police Chief Rick Martin and Holden Mayor Mike Wakeman.

The legislation would also require private jails to notify local law enforcement of all incidents of assaults, injuries and death.

Penalty provisions could include fines and possible criminal penalties for those individuals who knowingly violate the law.