Public Safety, Crime Trends to be Focus of Joint Senate, House Hearing Featuring Attorney General Sunday

HAZLETON - Crime trends and policies to make Pennsylvania communities safer will be examined during a joint public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and House Republican Policy Committee on Monday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m., at Hazleton City Hall, 40 N. Church St., Hazleton.

Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) and committee chairs Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. David Rowe (R-85) called the hearing to learn what local law enforcement officials and others are experiencing in the day-to-day performance of their duties. The hearing will cover trends in violent crimes, drug trafficking, retail theft and human trafficking. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will also provide an update on his office's efforts, as well as the negative impact of a recent House vote to address a court ruling on Pennsylvania's second-degree murder sentencing structure.

"Our police officers see firsthand what's happening in our communities, and we need to hear directly from them," Watro said. "This hearing is about taking an honest look at the crime on our streets and determining what we can do to give law enforcement the tools they need to protect Pennsylvania families."

"Public safety is one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties," Argall said. "I look forward to hearing from a variety of individuals about this important issue."

"Good public policy begins with listening to those who confront these challenges every day," said Rowe. "By bringing together Attorney General Sunday and local law enforcement, we can better understand the threats facing Pennsylvania communities and identify policies that strengthen public safety, support those who protect us and ensure criminals are held accountable."

The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee websites.