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Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 06, 2006 |
Contact: Afshin Mohamadi
202-225-7944 |
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New Legislation Would Improve Reporting of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes in the Military |
| Rep. Maloney’s bill proposes deadline for Department of Defense to implement overdue system |
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WASHINGTON, DC – In 1988, Congress mandated that the Pentagon collect statistics about crimes committed within the armed forces. 18 years have passed, and despite repeated prodding from Congress, the Department of Defense has failed to fully implement DIBRS, the Defense Incident-Based Reporting System (A Congressional Research Service report on the status of DIBRS can be found here).
Now, to motivate the DoD to follow through on its obligations, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) has introduced a bill (H.R. 5735) that establishes a firm deadline for the full implementation of DIBRS. Representative Maloney believes that the collection of accurate data will help curb problems such as sexual assault in the military.
“We need to monitor any crimes that are committed within the ranks of the armed forces,” said Maloney. “By fully implementing DIBRS and acquiring accurate data, the Military can take effective measures to address and reduce sexual assault and sexual harassment.”
Specifically, the proposed bill would require that the DoD fully implement DIBRS by January 1, 2007. If the department fails to do so, the salary of the Secretary of Defense will be reduced by $1,000 for each additional day that the system is not fully operating.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8).
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