Stories involving crimes are often tagged with, "If you have any information, call the police." That's because police often have a hard time getting witnesses to come forward for fear of revenge.
There are even t-shirts circulating in some parts of Syracuse that say, "Don't Snitch."
Monday morning, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) was in Syracuse to promote a bill that would give states help by toughening penalties for witness intimidation. Those who intimidate witnesses could face up to 30 years in prison.
Proponents of the bill cite examples, like the Syracuse stabbing at Centro's main bus stop that virtually shut down Salina St. during the investigation a couple months ago. Police knew people were taking pictures and videos with cell phones, but no one came forward to help.
Some say the bill is a good idea.
"This statute is finally going to put some teeth into the number 1 problem facing prosecutors in America today, and that is witness intimidation," says Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick.
At this point, the witness intimidation bill is just a proposal, but if it is passed in Washington D.C., the state-level penalties would be just as stiff for intimidation cases.
Do you think stricter penalties for witness intimidation would help police solve crimes? Post your comments below.
