Attorney General Phil Weiser and Mesa County District Attorney Daniel Rubinstein are both standing up for the rights of Colorado citizens and urging Governor Jared Polis to do the same.
Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has requested Governor Polis to allow them access to the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). This system contains sensitive data of Colorado residents, including personal information and criminal records. The FBI claims that this access is necessary for national security purposes and to aid in ongoing investigations.
However, Attorney General Weiser and District Attorney Rubinstein strongly oppose granting the FBI access to this system. They argue that this would not only violate the privacy of Colorado residents but also undermine the state’s criminal justice system.
In a joint statement, Weiser and Rubinstein said, “We are committed to protecting the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens, which is why we cannot support the FBI’s request for access to CJIS. This would set a dangerous precedent and erode the trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
Their concerns are not unfounded. Allowing the FBI to access CJIS would mean giving them unrestricted access to sensitive data without any oversight or accountability. This could potentially put the privacy of innocent individuals at risk and could also lead to cases of mistaken identities or false accusations.
Furthermore, the FBI’s justification for this request is not convincing enough. There is no evidence to suggest that the lack of access to CJIS has hindered any national security investigations. In fact, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation already shares information with the FBI through a dedicated portal, which is a secure and efficient way to exchange information.
Governor Polis faces a tough decision in this matter. The FBI’s request comes at a time when concerns about national security are at an all-time high. However, sacrificing the privacy and civil liberties of Colorado residents is not the solution.
Weiser and Rubinstein suggest that instead of granting the FBI unrestricted access, the state should consider alternative ways to facilitate information sharing for national security purposes. This could include creating a task force to evaluate and approve any requests from federal agencies for access to CJIS. This would ensure proper oversight and protection of citizens’ privacy.
The two attorneys also believe that any decision regarding the use of CJIS should be made in consultation with the state’s elected officials, including the Attorney General and district attorneys.
“We urge Governor Polis to consult with us and other elected officials before making any decision in this matter. The privacy and civil liberties of our citizens must be protected, and we are ready to work together to find a solution that balances national security concerns with the rights of Colorado residents,” said Weiser and Rubinstein.
It is heartening to see our state’s top law enforcement officials taking a stand for the people they serve. Weiser and Rubinstein’s opposition to the FBI’s request shows their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of Colorado citizens.
Governor Polis has always been a vocal advocate for privacy and civil liberties. We hope that he will give careful consideration to the concerns raised by Attorney General Weiser and District Attorney Rubinstein and make a decision that prioritizes the rights of Colorado residents.
In the end, it is essential to strike a balance between national security and individual privacy. Let’s hope that our elected officials make the right decision and continue to uphold our constitutional rights.
