Florida Police Chiefs Association Update: Week Ending April 25, 2014
Apr 28, 2014
The following is an informational update on law enforcement news, events, legislative developments and meetings relating to the Florida Police Chiefs Association community for the week ending April 25, 2014.
Click on the hyperlinks in bold type to access all information.
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Florida Police Chiefs Association lobbyists, Colodny Fass& Webb.
NEWS
Bill allowing school staff to carry guns moving forward
Florida lawmakers are still considering a proposal that would allow certain school employees to carry concealed weapons on school campuses.
Insurance gun bill passed by Florida Legislature
A bill that stops insurance companies from discriminating against gun owners has been passed by the Florida Legislature and is headed to Governor Rick Scott’s desk.
Florida House votes to change state pension plan
Florida could try to steer public employees away from the state’s traditional pension plan under a bill passed by the Florida House.
Florida House sends children’s identity theft bill to the Governor
In a 119-0 vote, the Florida House sent a bill to Governor Rick Scott that is designed to protect Florida children from identity theft.
House toughens penalties for docs who fraudulently prescribe “buzz free” marijuana
Florida doctors prescribing a form of medicinal marijuana could face jail time and fines if they fraudulently hand out the low-THC version known as “Charlotte’s Web.”
Florida sees lowest crime rate in 43 years, Forida Department of Law Enforcement stats show
Crime rate in Florida is lowest in decades. Florida had a lower crime rate in 2013 than it has seen in the past 43 years, according to statistics released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Crime in Baker County rises nearly 30% in 2013
- Crime Down in Many North Central Florida Counties
- Temple Terrace sees drop in crime over last five years
- Palm Beach County crime down for sixth straight year
The arrest of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Lab Supervisor Joseph Graves in February on charges he stole prescription drug evidence sent a shockwave through the agency’s labs across Florida.
Police Writing Fewer Traffic Tickets in Florida
The latest statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show police wrote about 5 percent fewer traffic tickets last year than they did in 2011.
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear Florida appeal over worker drug testing
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review an executive order issued by Florida Governor Rick Scott that had required all state employees take random drug tests.
Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates Chosen to Take Over Miami Beach Police Department
A police chief from Colorado has been named Miami Beach Police Chief following Raymond Martinez’s resignation last week after he was appointed chief of security for Ultra Music Festival.
St. Pete mayor announces 10 semifinalists for police chief job
Mayor Rick Kriseman announced the 10 semifinalists contending for St. Petersburg police chief.
New Miami Gardens Police Chief Gives Out Cell Phone Number
At his first visit to a Miami Gardens City Council meeting, new Police Chief Stephen Johnson gave out his cell phone so residents can call him with concerns – asking only that residents not call past 12:30 a.m.
Interim Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens Cleared of Allegation
A police investigation cleared interim Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens on Friday of allegations he harassed an officer last year during a phone call.
PolitiFact Truth-O-Meter: Hollywood billboard wars
The police union in Hollywood has launched a high-profile battle and they have literally taken their message to the sky.
Clermont police Chief Charles Broadway leads Special Olympics torch run
Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway carries the Special Olympics torch this week on a two-mile run to Special Olympics Florida headquarters in Clermont.
Naples residents gain insights into police work
While Bob Raymond isn’t a cop and he doesn’t play one on TV, he does possess some first-hand knowledge of what police officers do while on the job. The retired sales and marketing executive gained that familiarity, along with 19 other Naples residents, as part of this year’s class of the Naples Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.
Failed #myNYPD campaign launches similar trend in other cities
The deluge of anti-cop messages – each tagged with #myCPD, #myAPD and #myLAPD – capped off soon after New York’s Finest, through its Twitter account, asked people to post pictures of themselves interacting with officers using the hashtag #myNYPD.
REPORTS
From the Florida Department of Law Enforcement–This report provides an annual summary of crime statistics based on data gathered from law enforcement agencies across the state. In 2013, there was a significant decrease in all major crime categories compared to 2012. Relative to 2012, in 2013 there was a 3.9% decline in the number of murders, a 2.8% decline in the number of forcible sex offenses, a 2.8% decline in the number of robberies, and a 2.1% decline in the number of aggravated assaults. The total number of arrests in 2013 decreased by 5.8% compared to the previous year
Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 30 States in 2005: Patterns from 2005 to 2010
From the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics–This report examines the five-year post-release offending patterns of persons released from state prisons in 2005 by offender characteristics, prior criminal history, and commitment offense. It includes different measures of recidivism, including a new arrest, court adjudication, conviction, and incarceration for either a new sentence or a technical violation. About two-thirds (67.8%) of released prisoners were arrested for a new crime within three years, and three-quarters (76.6%) were arrested within five years. Within five years of release, 82.1% of property offenders were arrested for a new crime, compared to 76.9% of drug offenders, 73.6% of public order offenders, and 71.3% of violent offenders. More than a third (36.8%) of all prisoners who were arrested within five years of release were arrested within the first six months after release, with more than half (56.7%) arrested by the end of the first year.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Working with Offenders
From the Center for Court Innovation–This fact sheet summarizes a growing body of research about evidence-based strategies in five areas for reducing recidivism among criminal offenders: assessment, treatment, deterrence, procedural justice and collaboration.
Legitimacy and Procedural Justice: A New Element of Police Leadership
From the Police Executive Research Forum–This report provides specific definitions of terms and summarizes research studies that demonstrate the significance of legitimacy and procedural justice to police agencies. “Legitimacy” refers to the judgments that community members make about whether they have trust and confidence in their police, whether they are willing to defer to the law and to police authority, and whether they believe that police actions in their community are morally justified and appropriate. “Procedural justice” can be viewed as a way to achieve legitimacy. Police officers provide procedural justice when they do their jobs fairly and neutrally, treat community members with respect, and give people a chance to explain their situation or tell their side of the story.
FINAL ADOPTED RULES
33-302.104 Correctional Probation Officers Carrying Firearms
Effective May 7, 2014, Rule 33-302.104 Correctional Probation Officers Carrying Firearms is designed to promote the personal safety of certified correctional probation officers engaged in field supervision and investigation of assigned offenders. The authorization for officers to carry a firearm is for defensive purposes while on duty. To view the complete Rule, click here.
REGULATORY HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
April 30
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: April 30, 2014, 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, 3425 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Hotel reservations number: (321)799-4099.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: To discuss Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute (FCJEI) training statistics and progress for the calendar year of 2013, as well as program initiatives and items for the calendar year of 2014.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Director Kristi Gordon at (850)410-7373 or email: kristigordon@fdle.state.fl.us.
May 6
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission announces public meetings to which all persons are invited.
DATES AND TIMES: (AMENDED ITINERARY)
May 6, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon, Florida Criminal Justice Educators Association Meeting
May 6, 2014, 12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m., Training Center Director Executive Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Training Center Director Steering Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Training Center Director Basic Recruit Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Training Center Director Officer Wellness Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Training Center Director Advanced Training Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Training Center Director Rules Committee Meeting
May 6, 2014, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Training Center Director Open Forum
May 7, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – Open, Training Center Directors Association Business Meeting
May 7, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – Open, Probable Cause Determination Hearings
May 7, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Computer Based Testing Workshop with Pearson VUE
May 7, 2014, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Regional Criminal Justice Selection Center Directors Association
May 7, 2014, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Commission Workshop: Rule Waiver/Variance Process
May 7, 2014, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Post Basic Needs Assessment Workshop
May 8, 2014, 8:00 a.m. – Open, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Business Agenda
May 8, 2014, 9:30 a.m. – Open, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Officer Disciplinary Hearings
PLACE: Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207; reservation number: 1(888)233-9527; fax number: (904)398-9170; $99.00 each night single or double from 5/2/2014 – 5/10/2014; check-in: 4:00 p.m. and check-out: 11:00 a.m.; reservation deadline: April 11, 2014.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The above meetings are held to discuss issues relating to standards, training, examinations, certification, de-certification, record management for law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers, trust fund issues, Commission rules, officer discipline hearings, officer discipline penalty guidelines, and certification and recertification of criminal justice training schools.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Joyce Gainous-Harris at (850)410-8640 or by email at joycegainousharris@fdle.state.fl.us.
May 8
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing
Florida Department of Legal Affairs Division of Victim Services and Criminal Justice Programs
The Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys announces a telephone conference call to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: May 8, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Toll-free dial-in number: 1 (888) 670-3525, conference code: 6970475836
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Council’s subcommittees will focus on upcoming and future projects for the Council.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: http://www.cssbmb.com.
For more information, contact: the Bureau of Criminal Justice Programs at (850)414-3300.
May 29
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing
Florida Department of Management Services Division of Communications
The Florida Department of Management Services announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: Thursday, May 29, 2014, 9:30 a.m.
PLACE: CCOC – Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Room152, Tallahassee, FL 32399
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Joint Task Force of the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System will meet together to discuss matters pertaining to the System.
A copy of the agenda will be made available closer to the meeting date at http://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/public_safety_bureau/radio_communications/state_law_enforcement_radio/current_joint_task_force_meeting.
For more information, you may contact: Debi Smith at (850)922-7435 or debi.smith@dms.myflorida.com.
May 29
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing
Florida Department of Legal Affairs Division of Victim Services and Criminal Justice Programs
The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: May 29, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Jacksonville, Florida, toll-free dial-in number: 1(888)670-3525, conference code: 6970475836, telephone: (850)414-3369
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Council shall make a systematic study of the conditions affecting black men and boys, including, but not limited to, homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rate, poverty, violence, drug abuse, death rates, disparate annual income levels, school performance in all grade levels including postsecondary levels, and health issues.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: http://www.cssbmb.com.
May 30
Florida Department of Legal Affairs Division of Victim Services and Criminal Justice Programs
The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: May 30, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel, 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, telephone: (850)414-3369
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Panel discussion based on the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys strategic plan.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: http://www.cssbmb.com.
OTHER
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Division of Local Law Enforcement Assistance
Notice Of Application For Federal Funds And Funding Availability
The State of Florida, Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Office of Criminal Justice Grants will be submitting an application to the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for Federal Fiscal Year 2013 funds made available under Part E of Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, Section 500 as amended.
A copy of the application will be available for review and comment by the public at FDLE, Business Support Program, Office of Criminal Justice Grants, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Interested parties should contact the Office of Criminal Justice Grants at (850)617-1250 to obtain a copy of the application for review.
If the Bureau of Justice Assistance approves this application, units of local government will be eligible to receive subgrants from the Department of Law Enforcement. “Units of local government” means any city, county, town, township, borough, parish, village, or other general-purpose political subdivision of a State and includes Native American Tribes that perform law enforcement functions as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
Chapter 11D-9, Florida Administrative Code, governs program administration and funding. Local governments should thoroughly review Rule provisions before applying for subgrant funds.
FDLE will mail a notice of funding availability to the chief official of each county and each city. The notice will state the amount of funds available to the county and include information about the application process.
Questions regarding FDLE’s application and the funding process should be directed to Petrina T. Herring, Administrator of the Office of Criminal Justice Grants, FDLE at (850) 617-1250.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Sunday, June 29 62nd Annual FPCA Summer Training Conference Tentative Conference Agenda Attendee Information Attendee Registration Exhibitor Registration Exhibitor Information Exhibitor Rules Booth Layout
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August 18-22 Advanced Law Enforcement Executives Seminar |
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September 22-26 Future Law Enforcement Executives Seminar |