WHEREAS, a major cause of duty related deaths of police officers is from being shot by individuals who knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms; and

WHEREAS, thousands of citizens are killed or injured each year in criminal acts by individuals who knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms; and

WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police strongly supports the strict prosecution of criminal acts committed with the use of a firearm; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) duly assembled at its 105th annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, encourages all members to support legislation, in each nation or political subdivision thereof, that would make the unlawful purchase, sale, possession, or use of a firearm chargeable as a separate felony and accompanied by a lifetime prohibition of firearms possession after conviction, unless the privilege of possessing a firearm is restored by a statutorily established affirmative relief process at the state or federal level.