Whereas, drug abuse is an issue of deep concern to members of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the communities they serve, and

Whereas, drug abuse endangers public safety, diminishes the quality of life in our communities, costs tax payers millions of dollars and ravages the lives of drug abusers, their families and friends, and

Whereas, it has been shown that drug abuse is a contributing factor in the cause of crimes including child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assaults and violent crimes, and

Whereas, the proposed constitutional amendment entitled: Right to Treatment and Rehabilitation for Nonviolent Drug Offenses, is a dangerous and misleading initiative that will threaten public safety by effectively decriminalizing dangerous and highly addictive drugs like heroin, PCP, methamphetamine and crack cocaine, and undermine legitimate drug treatment programs, and

Whereas, the proposed constitutional amendment violates fundamental principles of the American system of justice wherein a meaningful and negative consequence be imposed for criminal wrongdoing, and render moot the Florida drug court system by removing the strong incentives of the criminal justice system to hold drug offenders accountable for their actions, and

Whereas, this proposed constitutional amendment is a misguided initiative that sends the wrong message to our children and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars in added public safety, court and drug abuse costs, and

Whereas, the proposed constitutional amendment also threatens public safety by enabling convicted drug abusers to continue working in sensitive positions such as teachers, school bus drivers and even airline pilots, and

Whereas, this proposed constitutional amendment is also widely opposed by respected leaders in public safety, public health, and drug treatment, and

Therefore be it Resolved, that the Florida Police Chiefs Association is strongly opposed to the Florida constitutional amendment entitled: Right to Treatment and Rehabilitation for Nonviolent Drug Offenses, and urges its defeat.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of 2002, by the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, in St. Augustine, Florida.