NDD.020.a07

WHEREAS, effective anticrime programs are effective antiterrorism programs; and evidence indicates that terrorist organizations which are funded in part by the sale of illegal drugs adds a new dimension to the need for continued investigation of narcotics related crime; and

WHEREAS, license plate reader and related digital photographing systems at border checkpoints incorporate the use of technology that provides a searchable database, including associated photographic images; license plate information; and statistical data such as date, time, and entry lane; and

WHEREAS, license plate reader systems and related digital photographing systems, working in combination with existing law enforcement databases, have the potential capability of identifying conveyances used for illegal activity, including the transportation of drugs and bulk cash; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement intelligence information may be shared more efficiently through greater use of technology and information sharing programs such as license plate reader systems to help ensure that investigative links are made to organized drug trafficking and related crime to the maximum extent possible; and

WHEREAS, all countries are encouraged to use technology such as license plate reader and related digital photographing systems, where practical, to share appropriate law enforcement information; and

WHEREAS, license plate reader and related digital photographing systems provide law enforcement with important tools necessary to combat all types of crime and is particularly useful in combating narcotics trafficking; and

WHEREAS, a significant commitment of resources will be required by federal, state, and local law entities to fully take advantage of this emerging technology; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the International Association of Chiefs of Police duly assembled at its 114th Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, strongly encourages the U.S. Congress to fully fund license plate reader and related digital photographing systems, including interrelated information sharing networks, for the northern and southern borders of the United States; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that all countries are encouraged to use like technology, to the extent possible, to share appropriate law enforcement information; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the IACP supports the development of a comprehensive License Plate Reader guide for law enforcement executives that addresses current technologies; best practices; privacy issues, legal implications, and open source data systems.