A resolution by the Florida Police Chiefs Association in support of maintaining the Florida Parole Commission as a separate and independent agency within the criminal justice system.

WHEREAS, the Florida Parole Commission is currently being examined by the Florida Legislature and other reviewing agencies regarding its structure and operation; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Police Chiefs Association is aware that suggestions have been made that some of the Parole Commission's major functions could be transferred to other agencies or that it become merged or absorbed within the Department of Corrections which we believe would seriously undermine the Florida Parole Commission's ability to be a separate and independent agency; and

WHEREAS, based upon frequent interaction between the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Parole Commission, it is our position that the administrative process is presently operating quite effectively within the criminal justice system as an administrative process and therefore would not be well served to become a judicial entity under the supervision of the courts; and

WHEREAS, it has been our experience that the Parole Commission consistently works in concert with law enforcement, victims of crime and further, that they are keenly aware of how their decisions affect the public's safety; and

WHEREAS, the members of Florida Police Chiefs Association are greatly concerned that the Parole Commission remain a separate and independent agency within the criminal justice system and that they continue to be unfettered in their efforts to enhance the safety of the millions of people who live, work and play in the State of Florida;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT, the Florida Police Chiefs Association strongly advocates their support for the Parole Commission as it currently operates and we encourage the legislature to allow the Parole Commission to continue to function in its current form without a transfer of any of its major functions to any other agency.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 14th DAY OF JANUARY 2001, by the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, in St. Augustine, Florida.