WHEREAS, at the meeting of the Board of Officers of the International Association of Chiefs of Police held on August 9, 1996, in Concord, New Hampshire, United State Marshals Service Director Eduardo Gonzalez briefed the officers on his efforts to bring more professionalism to the U.S. Marshals Service; and

WHEREAS, on the following day at the Executive Committee meeting a discussion evolved concerning various pieces of federal legislation regarding the Marshals Service; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of such legislation is to bring about the appointment of U.S. Marshals in a professional manner, and establish standards that require a significant law enforcement background; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to support this concept; and

WHEREAS, this action of the Executive Committee should be ratified by the general membership; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 103rd annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, hereby ratifies the actions of the Executive Committee in supporting the appointment of U.S. Marshals in a professional manner, and establishment of standards that require a significant law enforcement background, not necessarily in the Marshals Service.