THE LAW ENFORCEMENT

ALLIANCE OF AMERICA

February 8, 2000

The Honorable Charles Canady

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington DC 20510

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On behalf of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA), I would like to inform you of our strong support of H.J. Res. 64, the "Victims Rights Constitutional Amendment." The more than 65,000 members and supporters of LEAA urge you to endorse this important piece of legislation as the House Subcommittee on the Constitution considers H.J. Res. 64 this Thursday.

LEAA is the nation's largest coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims, and concerned citizens dedicated to finding solutions to the problems plaguing our country's criminal justice system. Fighting for passage of victims' rights legislation is of paramount importance in realizing just one of LEAA's many goals.

Paradoxically, criminals' rights are inherently included in America's most supreme document while crime victims, historically, have not had a place and/or a voice within the criminal justice system. In fact, to add insult to injury, the majority of victims are violated and betrayed a second time by the system. H.J. Res. 64 will secure basic rights for countless victims of crime throughout our nation as they struggle to survive their victimization.

Under this legislation, victims would have a right to receive notice of public proceedings related to the crime perpetrated against them, notice of the offender's escape or release from custody, as well as notification of parole hearings and a voice at these hearings. As the President's Task Force on Victims reported in 1982, "The criminal justice system is absolutely dependent upon the cooperation of crime victims to report and to testify. Without their help, the system cannot hold criminals accountable and stem the tide of future crime."

LEAA feels it is imperative to pass legislation to protect the country's violent crime victims. The high number of victims in this country (including the tens of thousands of officers assaulted each year and dozens murdered) indicates that we cannot afford to overlook this proposed amendment.

Once again, we urge you to take an active role in passing this common-sense, protective legislation. If there is any information LEAA can provide as you contemplate your position on H.J. Res. 64, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you this Thursday.

Sincerely,

James J. Fotis

Executive Director