A message from FPCA's President, Chief Richard M. Beary:
National Childrens Center, SACOP and Federal Legislation
April 1, 1999
I recently had the opportunity, along with Chief Robinson of Davenport, to
attend a training program for chief executive officers at the National Center
for Missing & Exploited Children near Washington, DC. This was an excellent
program designed to provide agency heads with current information concerning
children issues, victimization, legal issues and investigative techniques.
The Center also has numerous resources available to assist your agency with
all types of investigations involving child victims. I encourage you to attend
this training, which is offered free of charge several times each year.
Preparation and training are the key to quick and successful resolution of
child abduction cases. You can contact the Center at 800-843-5678 for
additional information and class schedules.
While in Washington I also attended the IACP Division of State Associations of
Chiefs of Police meeting. While the IACP is involved with a great deal of
federal legislative issues, the key issues we focused on were:
Another important issue, traffic safety, deals with the motoring public.
Numerous nationwide campaigns are underway promoting various safety
initiatives. One major project is the Mobilizing American Enforcement
campaign, which comprises national enforcement operations during which law
enforcement officers will conduct aggressive traffic enforcement targeting
specific traffic violations in a coordinated, cooperative multi-agency
approach. Not only will these enforcement efforts keep our streets and
highways safer; a heightened perception of risk will occur as a result of the
increased numbers of officers deployed and the public service announcements
that will accompany this program. I encourage you to get involved with these
enforcement missions.
The 1999 campaign consists of five operations. They are scheduled for the
following dates:
In conclusion, we must continue to attempt to meet the many demands placed
upon us. Many of these demands are not politically popular but are necessary
to protect the public. By working together we can meet these challenges now
and in the future.Funding for Law Enforcement Programs, including Local Law Enforcement Block
Grants, Byrne Memorial Grants, and Crime Identification Technology Act.
Police Officer Bill of Rights-This new law is an unnecessary obstacle to
local law enforcement management and interferes with state and local issues.
Asset Forfeiture-Changes to the current law would weaken our ability to take
the profit out of crime. I refer to this as the drug dealer relief act of
1999. Unfortunately, this Bill may pass the House due to the political
influence of Representative Henry Hyde of Illinois. Please contact your local
U.S. House member and oppose this Bill. We are at a critical point in this
Congress.
Encryption-Law enforcement needs to have the ability to conduct court-
authorized telephone intercepts and the technology to defeat encryption
devices. We need legislation to address this key issue before we lose the
technological ability to conduct these in-depth investigations.
The first operation takes place May 24-31. This operation is Buckle Up
America, with an emphasis on Child Passenger Safety/Seat Belts.
The second operation will be July 2-5, targeting Impaired Driving.
The third operation will take place September 3-6, emphasizing Back to
School/Child Passenger Safety.
The fourth campaign is November 22-28, Child Passenger Safety/Seat Belts.
The fifth and final campaign takes place December 17-19, again targeting
Impaired Driving.