Police Should Take LEAD
( continued )
indicate previous evidence examination processes were unreliable or exculpatory information is presented that warrants further inquiry . And to that point , all law enforcement agencies should have a policy defining and establishing criteria and guidelines for conducting post-conviction investigations to ensure the ends of justice are met . This should include an internal protocol for identifying flaws in the initial investigation or scientific evidence that has been determined to yield undependable results .
The primary responsibility of a post-conviction investigation is twofold . First , review and investigate all current available evidence and report such evidence that supports the innocence of the individual originally charged and convicted of the crime . Second , diligently work to identify the person responsible for the crime and arrest , if probable cause is developed .
Finally , police leaders must have the courage and independence to challenge anyone that would seek to compromise those standards . The police should lead the charge in freeing anyone wrongfully convicted … we should always be on the side that seeks the truth .
Reprinted from The LaGrange Daily News , Friday , March 5 , 2021 ; Atlanta Journal Constitution March 11 , 2021
Chief Louis M . Dekmar ’ s 43-year law enforcement career includes serving as the police chief for the cities of Morrow and LaGrange since 1995 . Chief Dekmar is the Past-President of IACP , Past President and Chair of CALEA , and Past-President of GACP . He is also a member of NOBLE . Chief Dekmar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming , Master ’ s in Public Administration from Georgia College and State University and Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Central Police University , Taipei , Taiwan and LaGrange College .
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