Opposition to Grant of Clemency to FALN Members Convicted of Terrorist Activities
WHEREAS, acts of terrorism, regardless of motivation, are in fact crimes against society that have caused death and serious injury to members of law enforcement, the military and innocent citizens; and
WHEREAS, the United States and its law enforcement agencies have established protocols for dealing with terrorism including the investigation, arrest and prosecution of those who commit terrorist acts against the United States anywhere in the world; and
WHEREAS, the stated policy of the United States is never to negotiate with terrorists; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police deplores the grant of clemency given to twelve FALN members who had been arrested, tried, and convicted of terrorist acts because we find this to be in direct conflict with stated policy, and such action undermines the courageous efforts of law enforcement and military personnel; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED; that the International Association of Chiefs of Police believes that this grant of clemency sets a dangerous precedent, minimizes the deterrent effect of successful law enforcement intervention against terrorism, and that the IACP strongly urges that such course of action never be repeated.