Attorney General Phil Weiser and Mesa County District Attorney Daniel Rubinstein have joined forces to urge Governor Jared Polis not to grant the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) access to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) database. This move comes after the FBI requested access to the database in order to conduct background checks on potential employees at the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center.
The CBI database contains sensitive and confidential information, including criminal records, mental health records, and other personal information. Allowing the FBI access to this database could potentially compromise the privacy and security of Colorado citizens.
In a joint statement, Weiser and Rubinstein expressed their concerns about the potential risks of granting the FBI access to the CBI database. They emphasized the need to protect the privacy of Colorado residents and maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Weiser stated, “The CBI database contains sensitive information that must be safeguarded. We cannot risk compromising the privacy of our citizens by granting access to this database without proper protocols in place.”
Rubinstein echoed these sentiments, saying, “As district attorneys, it is our duty to ensure that the criminal justice system operates with integrity and protects the rights of our citizens. Granting the FBI access to the CBI database without proper safeguards could potentially undermine these principles.”
The two officials also raised concerns about the potential misuse of the information in the CBI database. They pointed out that once the FBI has access to this information, it could be shared with other federal agencies or even third parties, without the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved.
Furthermore, Weiser and Rubinstein highlighted the lack of transparency in the FBI’s request for access to the CBI database. They noted that the request was made without any public notice or input, and without consulting with state officials.
Governor Polis, who has the final say on whether to grant the FBI access to the CBI database, has yet to make a decision. Weiser and Rubinstein are urging him to carefully consider the potential implications of this request and to prioritize the privacy and security of Colorado citizens.
They also called for a thorough review of the protocols and safeguards in place to protect the sensitive information in the CBI database. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in any decision regarding the sharing of this information with federal agencies.
The joint statement from Weiser and Rubinstein has garnered support from other state officials and organizations. The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, the Colorado Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, and the ACLU of Colorado have all expressed their concerns and opposition to granting the FBI access to the CBI database.
In addition, a petition has been launched by concerned citizens, urging Governor Polis to reject the FBI’s request for access to the CBI database. The petition has already garnered thousands of signatures, demonstrating the widespread concern about this issue.
As the debate continues, Weiser and Rubinstein remain steadfast in their stance against granting the FBI access to the CBI database. They are committed to protecting the privacy and rights of Colorado citizens and ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, Attorney General Phil Weiser and Mesa County District Attorney Daniel Rubinstein have made a strong case for why Governor Polis should not grant the FBI access to the CBI database. Their concerns about privacy, security, and transparency are valid and must be taken into consideration before any decision is made. It is crucial that the privacy and rights of Colorado citizens are not compromised in the pursuit of federal investigations. We urge Governor Polis to carefully consider the implications of this request and prioritize the protection of our citizens.
