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Oklahoma
State Senate For Immediate
Release: September 9, 2005 State Senator Jonathan Nichols Receives“Crime
Fighter Award” RAINN recognizes Senator Nichols for his work on SB 646 to
expand the State State Senator Jonathan Nichols was presented with the “Crime Fighter Award” from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The RAINN Crime Fighter Award is a national honor bestowed on individuals for leadership in fighting crime and helping victims. According to the certificate of award, Senator Nichols (R-Norman) was selected for his work on introducing and enacting Senate Bill 646 which requires all convicted felons in Oklahoma to submit DNA samples for the criminal DNA database system. “It is a privilege to be able to do work that I believe in and to be honored for doing that work is humbling,” said Senator Nichols, a former prosecutor. “But there is more to be done. I will continue working to pass legislation that protects children and our communities and make sure that these predators are taken off the streets and locked up in prison.” Scott Berkowitz, RAINN founder and president, presented the award at a Forensic DNA Luncheon in Seattle, Washington. The Luncheon is held every two years, concurrently during the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators. In presenting the award, Mr. Berkowitz said, “The enactment of SB 646 will have a profound and lasting impact on public safety in Oklahoma. Senator Nichols leadership on this issue will result in getting many rapists and other violent criminals off the streets, and will prevent additional Oklahoma residents from being needlessly victimized.” The keynote speaker at the luncheon was US Congressman David Reichert (R-WA) who addressed the crowd of 100 guests. Prior to being elected to Congress, Reichert was the acting Sheriff who investigated and ultimately captured one of the worst serial killers in US history known as the Green River killer. Congressman Reichert stated, "I know first hand from my experience in the Green River case how important DNA evidence is to unlocking complex crimes and providing closure to victims. Building up our DNA databases across the country is common sense action to close cases and get offenders off our streets.” The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. RAINN also publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. With more than 1,100 local affiliates, the National Sexual Assault Hotline has helped more than 900,000 victims of sexual assault. MEDIA CONTACTS: Malia Bennett RAINN US. Rep. David Reichert
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