RILA Praises ORC Legislation a "Good First Step" 

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) commended Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA), Chairman of House Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, for introducing legislation today that would establish an investigation and prosecution unit within the Department of Justice to deal specifically with a major aspect of organized retail crime (ORC).

The Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2010 would create an Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Unit (ORTIP Unit) comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and other personnel dedicated to investigating and prosecuting large-scale retail theft and assisting state and local law enforcement and prosecuting agencies.

The legislation is cosponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX), as well as Congressman Robert Goodlatte (R-VA).

"We thank these leaders on the Judiciary Committee for their commitment to addressing this serious crime that has national implications," said John Emling, senior vice president of government affairs. "This is an important first step, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Scott to aggressively pursue legislation that would help prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place."

In addition to creating the ORTIP Unit, the legislation mandates that the Attorney General submit a report not later than one year after the date of enactment that contains recommendations for methods to prevent large-scale retail theft.

"Local and state law enforcement and prosecuting agencies are important partners in the battle against ORC. Given the resource challenges facing many of these agencies, retailers welcome additional manpower to aid them in their fight against individuals who make a living off their criminal conduct," said Lisa LaBruno, vice president of loss prevention & legal affairs. "We have received assurances that the House Judiciary Committee is committed to the pursuit of additional legislation focused on prevention."
 
RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

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