From the Executive Director:
We're instituting a new feature on our SEARCH Web site to showcase the remarkable people who participate in the SEARCH Membership Group. We intend to profile one of our Members each month to share with others their background and expertise, their thoughts about SEARCH and the justice community environment that SEARCH is involved in.
We're delighted to present our second profile and interview with Dawn Peck, a valuable participant in our organization.
- Ronald P. Hawley
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Get to know the SEARCH Membership better! Read our SEARCH Member Q & A. New profiles are posted about every month to six weeks.
Professional Affiliations
SEARCH Membership Group (2006-present) Governor-appointed Idaho Member, Research and Statistics Program Advisory Committee Member (2006-2007)
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council, Idaho Compact Member (2005-present), Compact Officer (2005-present), Policy and Planning Committee (2006-present), Policy and Planning Committee Vice-Chair (2007-present)
SEARCH/Bureau of Justice Statistics National Focus Group on the Retention of Civil Fingerprints by Criminal History Record Repositories (2006-present)
Automated Fingerprint Identification System Internet Member - Multi-national User Group of NEC AFIS Systems (1997-present), Board of Directors (2000-2001 and 2002-2003)
FBI Criminal Justice Information System Working Group, Idaho CSO (2004-present)
FBI Advisory Policy Board (2006-present), Bylaw Subcommittee (2006-present), Site Security Task Force (2006-present)
Western Identification Network OPS Committee, Idaho Member (1997-present)
Pacific Northwest Division, International Association for Identification (2001-present), Regional Vice-president (2001-2004)
National Web Portal Consortium (2005-present), President-elect (2005-2006), President (2006-present)
Idaho Society of Certified Public Managers (2004-present), Founding Member (2004), President-elect (2004), President (2005-06)
Alumni Association, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (2001-present)
Alumni Association, Regis University (2004-present)
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Q: How did you get involved in the field of criminal justice information management?
A: In 1991, my family moved to Idaho from Iowa, where I had worked in the private sector in sales and management. I had always been fascinated by the criminal justice field, and when an opportunity to work at the Bureau of Criminal Identification presented itself, I jumped on it. I loved it from the beginning, feeling that we make a huge difference on so many levels. I have been with BCI ever since, except for a 6-month hiatus working for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in 1993.
Q: What is the professional success you are proudest of? Also, what is the personal success you are proudest of?
A: Professionally, I am very proud of the interfaces we have been able to accomplish that connect livescans, AFIS, criminal history database, the courts and our billing system for applicant background checks. While these interfaces do not always equate to major cost savings, as the resources are often reallocated to other needs, it does equate to major time savings. This is crucial on the criminal side to identify individuals while in custody and for the applicant side when decisions regarding positions of trust are being made.
Personally, I am proud of the fact that I was able to go back and get my degree after having raised my family and gotten them through the educational system. It was one of the misgivings of my youth that I did not obtain it. I am also very proud of the wonderful family my husband and I have.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge ahead for the justice/public safety community in the next 5 to 10 years?
A: I think that funding and the territorial issues that go along with interoperability and data sharing are the biggest challenges we face. We must be able to overcome these to share information for the greater good of the nation, while protecting privacy and individual rights. Although these are complicated issues, I think we can work through them when everyone is committed to creating an environment that meets the needs of everyone.
Q: What changes would you like to see happen regarding information sharing within the justice and public safety community? What is the biggest obstacle?
A: As stated above, I would like to see information shared with all who have a real need. Of course, I feel that we have to have safeguards on that dissemination to ensure there is no misuse. The obstacles often have to do with a lack of understanding. Once everyone understands the needs, reviews and addresses them in a well-thought-out approach, we can create solutions that are amenable to all.
Q: What is SEARCH's value as an organization?
A: The staff and resources of the SEARCH organization are valued on many fronts. The insight into federal issues, legislation and programs, as they relate to the states are a tremendous help to all of us. The leadership SEARCH provides by orchestrating surveys on timely topics, developing white papers, leading focus groups and giving technical assistance is invaluable to the Members, as well as others. I know Idaho is not alone, in that we have too little resources to be able to adequately track all these issues on our own. The information sharing that happens through the guidance of SEARCH assists me every day.
Q: How has your state and/or agency benefited from its participation in the National Consortium?
A: We have been able to utilize the information provided by SEARCH when developing many policies and exploring state requirements for many pieces of federal legislation. The sharing of information among the Members is also very valuable. We have come to rely upon SEARCH as a primary source of well documented, accurate information on many issues facing the state.
Q: What is your favorite SEARCH memory?
A: My fondest memories surround the visits with the other Members of the organization. We truly become close and mentor each other. I value those friendships and rely upon the collective experience of the group.
Q: Just for fun: What is your most well-known trait?
A: I think most people who know me well would say that I am very organized. While I sometimes don't think I do as good a job in this area as I would like, I often have friends, family, and co-workers comment on that.
Q: Hobbies/Interests:
A: I love to spend time with my family and friends. My husband of 34 years, Don, and I have four great kids and eight wonderful grandchildren, with the ninth on the way. Plus my mother and Don's parents live close. I love to garden, I have lots of roses and flower beds. I also enjoy reading and taking walks.
Q: One thing people don't know about you:
A: I really can't think of anything, as I am a pretty open book. I find that it makes life easier to be open and honest.
Q: What is the best advice you've ever received?
A: I was told to believe in myself and my abilities and to keep my priorities in life in the right order.
Q: What is your favorite motto?
A: "We who lived in the concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: The last of his freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
~ Viktor E. Frankl
This really touched me when I heard it many years ago. I remember every day, that no matter what life hands me, I have control over my attitude and I can make positive contributions if I stay focused.
Past Member Profiles
Paul Heppner
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