WHEREAS, four years after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, terrorism continues to be a significant and substantial threat to the United States, and other countries represented in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and to the rule of law to which the IACP is dedicated; and

WHEREAS, the detection, disruption, and prevention of terrorism remains the top priority of the United States and many other countries; and

WHEREAS, international, federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and intelligence organizations, as well as private-sector security, are integral partners in counter-terrorism, and have made significant strides in the sharing of information and intelligence through cooperative efforts; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement have integrated investigative resources in the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s prevention strategy; and

WHEREAS, key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act eliminating restrictions on sharing criminal intelligence in terrorism investigations are due to expire; and

WHEREAS, key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act regarding the use of preexisting tools in terrorism investigations are due to expire; and

WHEREAS, key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act expanding the ability for law enforcement to obtain business records in terrorism investigations are due to expire; and

WHEREAS, key provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act preventing terrorists from exploiting new technology are due to expire; and

WHEREAS, these provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, as enacted after the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, have proven to a be critical tool for law enforcement’s counter-terrorism efforts in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, Making these provisions permanent will ensure all legal means are used to detect, disrupt, and prevent terrorism in the United States and thus contribute to international counter-terrorism efforts and the safety of our nation; and now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the IACP fully supports and recognizes the importance of making permanent the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that are due to expire, and encourages the U.S. Congress to do so. The IACP and its members remain fully committed to taking the actions necessary to detect, disrupt, and prevent terrorism worldwide.