Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Zorro

(16,559 posts)
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 09:30 AM 8 hrs ago

Civilian police oversight in Florida crumbles after new law kicks in

At least 15 civilian review boards across Florida, which review investigations of potential law enforcement misconduct after they’re completed, have dissolved or temporarily ceased operations after a new law targeting the panels took effect.

The law assures that only law enforcement agencies will investigate reports of misconduct by law enforcement officers. It blocks outside civilian review boards from performing oversight in such investigations, moves civilian panels under the control of Florida police chiefs and sheriffs, and requires that at least one panelist must be a retired law enforcement officer.

The move by Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature, which took effect July 1, was the latest effort to show its support for law enforcement. Lawmakers in recent years have forced homeowners associations to allow police cruisers in driveways, banned COVID-19 vaccination requirements for cops and allowed police to arrest anyone who tries to record them from less than 25 feet away.

Backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the law was a major blow to the civilian review panels. Oversight advocates warned it will damage community-police relations and diminish trust in law enforcement. The measure has dissolved civilian boards in major cities, including Miami, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Tampa.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/01/11/civilian-police-oversight-florida-crumbles-after-new-law-kicks/

DeSantis and his fellow Florida Republican legislators are goosestepping their way to embracing fascism in the state.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Civilian police oversight in Florida crumbles after new law kicks in (Original Post) Zorro 8 hrs ago OP
Florida man Historic NY 8 hrs ago #1
I get accused of constantly bashing the State of Florida. William769 7 hrs ago #2
Frightened by the complicity by my wilfully blind cachukis 6 hrs ago #3
Rhonda Sepsis is... GiqueCee 4 hrs ago #4

William769

(56,098 posts)
2. I get accused of constantly bashing the State of Florida.
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 10:27 AM
7 hrs ago

Let's forget the fact I have lived here 49 years, let's forget the fact that I worked in State Government here for 25 years, let's forget the fact I have seen this State go from a true blue State to a blood red State in that time.

I will go toe to toe with anybody that says Florida is not one of the shittiest States in the U.S.

Here I am, I'm ready.

Civilian review boards is just another nail in the coffin for the State of Florida.

P.S. It was argued that Dade County is a Blue County. Then why the hell was it solid red for all elections in 2024 with the exception of one race? Anybody? Anybody?

cachukis

(2,787 posts)
3. Frightened by the complicity by my wilfully blind
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 10:36 AM
6 hrs ago

fellow citizens. Succumbing to fascism is so easy when you aren't thinking your eyes are filled with the flies keeping you from seeing the flies.

GiqueCee

(1,580 posts)
4. Rhonda Sepsis is...
Sun Jan 12, 2025, 12:40 PM
4 hrs ago

... term-limited, as I recall. Is 2026 his last year to secure for the Sunshine State the dubious honorific, "ANUS OF THE UNIVERSE"?

There are standards of experience and behavior that apply to most professions that require a modicum of responsibility. It is customary that they are reviewed before an applicant can assume a given position, not after said applicant has demonstrated their malevolent incompetence, and wrought untold havoc on the community they were supposed to serve, not to rule without trace of common human decency.

Rhonda Sepsis has failed spectacularly by every metric normally applied to those afforded the privilege of leadership. He is an evil man. And that says nothing good about the judgment or character of those that voted for him.

But then, that's Republicans for ya.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Florida»Civilian police oversight...