[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25505]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF LARGO, FLORIDA AS A FINALIST FOR THE 
               INNOVATIONS IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AWARDS

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the City 
of Largo, Florida in the Tenth Congressional District which I have the 
privilege to represent. The city has recently been named a finalist for 
the Innovations in American Government Awards and it is most fitting 
that we in Congress recognize this outstanding achievement.
  In 1997, the City of Largo noticed a problem with its processing of 
evidence in domestic violence cases, which in turn resulted in a low 
filing rate for instances of spousal and child abuse. To respond to 
this critical problem, Largo launched a secure internet site to house 
evidence relating to domestic violence cases. This site is available to 
law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and judges, creating a much 
more efficient and effective way of handling domestic violence cases. 
The results have affirmed Largo's innovative initiative. Since 
implementation of this program, the prosecution rate for domestic 
violence cases has increased from 16 to 50 percent.
  This outstanding program deserves to be recognized by the Innovations 
in American Government Awards, and likewise deserves to be recognized 
by this Congress. We are all concerned about reports of domestic 
violence, and all of us in this House would certainly do whatever we 
can to put an end to this crime. That is why it is most fitting that my 
colleagues and I rise today to commend this aggressive program 
developed by the City of Largo.
  Please join me in saluting our city's leaders and this outstanding 
program as they are honored with this prestigious award.

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