WHEREAS, the criminal justice system relies on forensic science methodologies and technologies as well as evidence-based strategies as foundational tools in criminal investigations; and

WHEREAS, advancements in forensic science methodologies and technologies as well as evidence-based strategies have resulted in more efficient, and comprehensive investigation methods; and

WHEREAS, these advancements have allowed for exoneration of persons wrongfully convicted; and

WHEREAS, the true perpetrator of the crime may be later identified as a result of scientific and evidence based investigative advancements, but because of a statute of limitations this person goes unprosecuted; and

WHEREAS, as a result, the crime victim may experience feelings of revictimization, and traumatization as well as a loss of trust in the criminal justice system, and the perpetrator is not prosecuted because of current legislation limiting the prosecution timeframes; and

WHEREAS, courts of law have ruled in favor of the use of scientific and evidence based investigative advancements to both exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals and also to prosecute individuals; and now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) duly assembled at its
122nd Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois encourages law enforcement leaders to work collaboratively with federal and state legislatures to enact legislative changes, which abolish or restart any statue(s) of limitation in cases of wrongful conviction, and thus allow for continuing investigative efforts to identify and prosecute a perpetrator through said scientific and evidence-based methods.

Submitted by: Victim Services Committee, Forensic Science Committee, and Police Investigative Operations Committee
VSC.003.t15