Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell recently announced the implementation of changes to existing criminal justice technology that will help prevent the sale of firearms to fugitives from Philadelphia and will allow police officers to better identify fugitives across the state.

In the past, Philadelphia has had its own database that wasn't compatible with the State Police's records. State Police, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Court system and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency pooled their expertise to create a uniform system.

"Under Pennsylvania law, fugitives cannot purchase firearms," Governor Rendell said. "However, since we had two databases in place that were not compatible with each other, fugitives from Philadelphia were allowed to purchase firearms outside of the city limits. This was completely unacceptable and I am pleased that we have a uniform system in place that will have a tremendous and positive impact on securing the public's safety."

The Governor also said that officers outside of Philadelphia who stopped motorists could not know if the driver was a fugitive.

"A police officer without access to the Philadelphia warrant system would be at risk when stopping a fugitive," Governor Rendell said. "Not only would the officer lose the opportunity to arrest the person, but he or she would be placed in additional risk not knowing that the driver could be dangerous."

On Dec. 15, 2004, more than 50,000 existing warrants in Philadelphia were successfully loaded onto the state's system while updates and new warrants continue to be transferred.

"Within hours of completion, five fugitives from Philadelphia were found in other Pennsylvania counties," Governor Rendell said. "Furthermore, this enormous project was completed in six months at virtually no cost to taxpayers."

Philadelphia police have also been notified of nearly 200 fugitives and continue to average 5-8 calls per day from law enforcement officers throughout Pennsylvania notifying them that a fugitive has been found.

"Fugitives that are found outside of Philadelphia will no longer be released," Governor Rendell added. "These individuals will ultimately be sent back to Philadelphia to face the consequences of their criminal activity."