WHEREAS, telecommunications systems and networks are used in the commission of criminal activities; and lawfully authorized electronic surveillance preserves public safety; and

WHEREAS, the lawful interception of telecommunications is one of the most valuable investigative tools available to law enforcement in identifying, disrupting and dismantling illegal drug trafficking organizations and other forms of organized crime; and

WHEREAS, advances in telecommunications technology have adversely impacted court authorized interception of communications, leaving law enforcement incapable of intercepting certain manufacturers/carriers encrypted technology; and

WHEREAS, to accomplish intercepts within new and sophisticated telecommunications systems, law enforcement is spending exorbitant fees on expensive interface circuits and paying exorbitant fees for the provisioning and maintenance of intercepts by carriers; and

WHEREAS, several members of the telecommunications industry routinely fail to respond to lawfully served subpoenas or other requests by law enforcement for assistance in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, all these factors continue to hamper law enforcement’s ability to conduct electronic surveillance, combat crime, and protect society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 109th Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, strongly urges the United States Attorney General and the Secretary of Treasury to open a dialogue with leaders of the telecommunications industry and the Federal Communication Commission to ensure compliance with the Telecommunications Carriers Law Enforcement Cooperation Act.