WHEREAS, millions of dollars are being spent annually by police agencies throughout the nation to defend baseless lawsuits; and

WHEREAS, often these lawsuits are brought and perpetuated by convicted criminals utilizing taxpayer-provided legal resources at their places of incarceration; and

WHEREAS, litigation of these baseless lawsuits is requiring law enforcement agencies to divert untold financial and personnel resources away from primary law enforcement objectives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 104th annual conference in Orlando, Florida, supports legislative reform that would heighten pleading requirements in actions against police agencies, reduce litigation by prisoners, cap damages and attorneys’ fees in actions against police agencies, and preclude actions for personal injury damages suffered by suspects while resisting or fleeing arrest; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP will assist with, encourage and support any congressional initiatives in this regard.