Introduced

SB 256 - This act allows grant money received by multijurisdictional Internet cyber crime law enforcement task forces to be used to purchase necessary equipment. Currently, the grant money received by such task forces may only be used to pay law enforcement salaries and to provide training.

Currently, multijurisdictional enforcement groups under Chapter 195, RSMo, are allowed to investigate computer, Internet-based, narcotics, and drug violations. This act changes the definition of such groups in Section 195.503, RSMo, to reflect this power. Under this act, multijurisdictional enforcement groups are allowed to received grant money to investigate internet sex crimes against children. The money cannot be used to pay any cost associated with investigating drug violations.

This act allows up to 3% of the money appropriated to the Department of Public Safety for the grant program to be used for administrative costs.

The arrest power of peace officers authorized as a member of a multijurisdictional Internet cyber crime law enforcement task force shall only be used when the officer is an active member of such task force and within the scope of the investigation. The officers shall have the power of arrest anywhere in the state and shall provide prior notification to the local police chief or sheriff of an arrest in his or her jurisdiction. However, if exigent circumstances exist, such arrest may be made and notification shall be made to the police chief or sheriff as soon as possible. The police chief or sheriff may elect to work with task forces within his or her jurisdiction.

This act has an emergency clause.

SUSAN HENDERSON MOORE


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