A resolution supporting an amendment to Section 17 of Article I of the State Constitution
preserving the death penalty, prohibiting reduction of a death sentence based upon invalidity
of execution method and providing for retroactive applicability.
WHEREAS, the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission has proposed an amendment to
Section 17 of Article I of the State Constitution preserving the death penalty, prohibiting
reduction of a death sentence based upon invalidity of execution method, permitting any
execution method unless prohibited by the Federal Constitution, and providing for retroactive
applicability; and
WHEREAS, the Association is committed to enhancing the quality of life and safety of the
millions of people who live, work and play in the State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Florida Police Chiefs to inform their citizens of issues
which would enhance their safety and the safety of their children; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous persons, who having been found guilty of particularly serious
crimes, are waiting to receive death sentences; and
WHEREAS, the Association is aware that failure to follow through on the courts sentencing
mandates unnecessarily endangers corrections personnel, increases the costs related to continued
incarceration; and
WHEREAS, failure to utilize the death penalty diminishes the deterrent effect for punishment
reserved for the most serious crimes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT, the Florida Police Chiefs
Association supports the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission's Proposition Number 2,
amending Article I, Section 17 of the Florida Constitution, preserving the death penalty and
permitting any execution method unless prohibited by the Federal Constitution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 15th DAY OF JUNE 1998, by the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.