Florida Police Chiefs Association Update: Week Ending October 25, 2013
Oct 25, 2013
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 October 25, 2013.
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.
Above: Broward Police Chiefs take time to pose for a photo after a local meeting–(from left to right–Chief Paul O’Connell, Wilton Manors; Chief John Brooks, Sunrise; Chief Dan Giustino, Pembroke Pines; Broward Police Chiefs Association President and Lighthouse Point Chief Ross Licata)
NEWS
What Florida Criminal Justice Issues, Reforms Will Spring Up In 2014 Session?
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, sentencing reforms, and re-entry programs for inmates are just a few areas on the agenda for the Legislature’s criminal justice committees during the upcoming Legislative session.
Florida Attorney General Issues Opinion on Municipal Law Enforcement Interlocal Agreements
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an October 9, 2013 opinion on Section 166.0495, F.S., which provides the general law authorization for extra-territorial exercise of police powers enabling a municipality to enter into an interlocal agreement to obtain law enforcement services from an adjoining municipality within the same county, without requiring dual referenda for approval.
Florida lawmakers look to put brakes on red light cameras
Local state-lawmakers are voicing support for a Florida House of Representatives bill that would remove a law that authorized the use of cameras to issue tickets to drivers who run red lights.
Who was in on the Florida escape plot? Police vow to make more arrests
The two convicted killers who are back in custody after escaping jail with forged documents were being grilled on Sunday by law enforcement authorities who said they expect to make more arrests in the case.
- Escaped Florida Killers Not Cooperating in Forgery Case
- Fake papers for Florida cons called “cottage industry”
- Courts, corrections deflect blame after 2 convicted murderers walk free
- Phony document scheme surfaced months before Florida killers’ release
Pam Bondi challenges proposed medical marijuana amendment
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is contesting a proposed ballot initiative for a medical marijuana constitutional amendment.
Florida’s Juvenile Justice Department Seeking Reform Suggestions
Florida’s Juvenile Justice Gulf County residents sat quietly as Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters talked about a major change, focusing more on prevention programs.
Some Florida Police Are Using Data To Predict Crime
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department isn’t using an oracle yet, but it is getting one step closer to Minority Report-style crime predicting.
It’s criminal: Why data sharing lags among law enforcement agencies
In 2008, the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services division embarked on an ambitious effort to enable information sharing among every federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agency in the United States.
Cocoa police chief set to retire
Cocoa police Chief Mark Klayman plans to retire December 19 after serving 30 years in the department.
Sweetwater Police Chief Roberto Fulgueira Retiring
Sweetwater Police Chief Roberto Fulgueira is stepping down after more than 30 years with the department.
New police chief named at USF St. Pete
Pinellas County’s only public university just named its new police chief: David Hendry, a veteran of the Tallahassee Police Department. He’ll start at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg on Oct. 28.
REPORTS
Predictive Policing: The Role of Crime Forecasting in Law Enforcement Operations
From the RAND Corporation--Predictive policing is the use of analytical techniques to identify promising targets for police intervention with the goal of preventing crime, solving past crimes, and identifying potential offenders and victims. These techniques can help departments address crime problems more effectively and efficiently. They are being used by law enforcement agencies and these experiences offer valuable lessons for other police departments as they consider the available tools to collect data, develop crime-related forecasts, and take action in their communities. This guide provides assessments of some of the most promising technical tools for making predictions and tactical approaches for acting on them, drawing on prior research, information from vendors and developers, case studies of predictive policing in practice, and lessons from the use of similar techniques in military operations. It also dispels some myths about predictive methods and explores some pitfalls to avoid in using these tools.
Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States
From the National Research Council–This report examines commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. under age 18. According to this report, efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to these crimes require better collaborative approaches that build upon the capabilities of people and entities from a range of sectors. In addition, such efforts need to confront demand and the individuals who commit and benefit from these crimes. The report recommends increased awareness and understanding, strengthening of the law’s response, strengthening of research to advance understanding and to support the development of prevention and intervention strategies, support for multi-sector and interagency collaboration, and creation of a digital information-sharing platform.
The Choice is Yours: Early Implementation of a Diversion Program for Felony Offenders
From the Urban Institute–This report presents an initial review of The Choice is Yours from its implementation in early 2012 through June 2013. The Choice is Yours project is a Philadelphia alternative-to- incarceration program for first-time, nonviolent felony drug dealers facing one- to two-year minimum mandatory state prison sentences. Participants receive community-based services and are monitored by the Choice is Yours court for approximately one year. Program participants are mostly male (84 percent), minority (just over half are African-American, with another 32 percent identifying as Hispanic) and their average age, when beginning orientation, was 22.1 years (with a range from 18 through 31). Almost 20 percent reported carrying a weapon such as a gun or knife in the four weeks leading up to program entry; and in the 12 months prior to the program, about one-third had hung out with gang or crew members.
Coming of Age with Stop and Frisk
From the Vera Institute of Justice–Amid the debate about stop and frisk in New York City, its relationship to reductions in crime, and concerns about racial profiling, one question has gone largely unexplored: How does being stopped by police, and the frequency of those stops, affect those who experience them at a young age? In New York City, at least half of all recorded stops annually involve those between the ages of 13 and 25. This report describes results of a study about the experiences and perceptions of young New Yorkers who are most likely to be stopped. Trust in law enforcement among these young people is very low. This has significant public safety implications as young people who have been stopped more often are less willing to report crimes, even when they themselves are the victims.
Ponemon Institute–The average annualized cost of cyber crime for 56 organizations in the U.S. is $8.9 million per year, with a range of $1.4 million to $46 million. In 2011, the average annualized cost was $8.4 million. This represents an increase in cost of 6% or $500,000 from the results published last year. Cyber attacks have become common occurrences. The companies in this study experienced 102 successful attacks per week and 1.8 successful attacks per company per week. This represents an increase of 42% from last year’s successful attack experience.
From the U.S. Government Accountability Office–Many emergency managers from the 27 major cities responding to GAO’s questionnaire, although not all, reported that their city had assessed the risks of a terrorist attack using a radiological dispersal device or improvised nuclear device and had ranked the risk of these attacks as lower than the risk of other hazards they face.
From the U.S. Government Accountability Office–U.S. Department of Homeland Security components have developed models to assess the risks of foreign ports and cargo, but not all components have applied risk management principles to assess whether maritime security programs cover the riskiest ports.
From the U.S. Government Accountability Office–The purpose of the Department of Defense’s study of its Joint Professional Military Education program was to identify (1) desired leader attributes as part of the career-long learning experience needed to support the Department’s strategic vision and (2) any gaps in the current educational program to facilitate the development of the leaders needed to achieve that vision.
Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Planning for a Biometric Air Exit System
From the U.S. Government Accountability Office–In 2003, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiated the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program to develop a system to collect biographic data (such as name and date of birth) and biometric data (such as fingerprints) from foreign nationals at U.S. ports of entry. Since 2004, the Department has tracked foreign nationals’ entries into the United States as part of an effort to comply with legislative requirements, and since December 2006, a biometric entry capability has been fully operational at all air, sea, and land ports of entry.
From the U.S. Government Accountability Office–Nearly half of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program (CHP) funding from fiscal years 2008 through 2012 was awarded to grantees in six states, and award amounts varied considerably in certain years. During this period, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies nationwide received CHP grant awards to hire or rehire officers to advance community policing, with 48 percent of the funds awarded to grantees in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. For grantees awarded the same number of officers, differences were driven mainly by variation across grantees’ respective entry-level officer salaries and benefits. Variation in grantee award amounts were more prominent during 2009, 2010, and 2011, when salary and benefit levels were not statutorily capped, and grantees with higher officer salary and benefit levels generally received more CHP funding relative to other CHP grantees for the same number of officers.
REGULATORY NOTICES
Notice of Emergency Rule
Florida Department of Legal Affairs
RULE NO.: 2ER13-1 Addition of AB-PINACA (N-(1-Amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) AB-FUBINACA (N-(1-Amino-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) ADB-PINACA (N-(1-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) Fluoro ADBICA (N-(1-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(fluoropentyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide) to Schedule I, Subsection 893.03(1)(c), F.S.
SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE: In written findings published on the date this emergency rule was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, Attorney General Bondi has found that there is a need to immediately place the above-mentioned psychoactive substances classifiable as Synthetic Cannabinoids under Schedule I, Subsection 893.03(1)(c), F.S., in order to curtail their abuse by Florida’s children, young adults, and others. These substances are ostensibly legal and often perceived as a safer alternative to illegal drugs such as marijuana. In many cases, however, they are more dangerous. Due to their chemical design, they are commonly available for purchase in specialty smoke shops, over the internet, in convenience stores and from other retailers, making them easily obtainable. These circumstances present an immediate and imminent hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare which requires emergency action. In addition the Attorney General has found that the above-mentioned compounds meet the statutory criteria for placement as a controlled substance in Schedule I, subsection 893.03(1)(c), F.S.
REASON FOR CONCLUDING THAT THE PROCEDURE IS FAIR UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES: The above-mentioned Synthetic Cannabinoids present an immediate and imminent hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare which requires emergency action. The Attorney General will ask the Florida Legislature to memorialize this action through legislation in its 2014 legislative session. A copy of the Attorney General’s findings in support of this emergency rule may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Attorney General, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050; (850)245-0145.
SUMMARY: Under the authority of Section 893.05, Florida Statutes, additional substances are being added to Schedule I, subsection 893.03(1)(c), F.S.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS: Emery Gainey, Director, Law Enforcement Relations, Victim Services & Criminal Justice Programs, Department of Legal Affairs, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050
To view a copy of the Emergency Rule online, click here.
Notice of Variances and Waivers
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
Rule No.: 11B-35.002 Basic Recruit Training Programs for Law Enforcement, Correctional, and Correctional Probation
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 25, 2013, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission received a petition for a permanent waiver of subparagraph 11B-35.002(1)(a)11, and paragraph (2)(a), F.A.C., by Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Petitioner wishes to waive that portion of the rule that requires an officer to complete a Commission-approved basic recruit training program and to obtain employment within four years of beginning such basic recruit training. The Petitioner asserts that it gave law enforcement training to three medics from the Osceola County Fire Rescue in order for them to be S.W.A.T. Medics. The Petitioner intended the training to substitute for a Commission-approved law enforcement auxiliary training. Petitioner did not send the medics to a Commission-approved law enforcement auxiliary academy, nor did Petitioner ensure that the medics were certified within four years of beginning training. The Petitioner states that the operation of the rule would violate the principles of fairness because the medics attended all of the training that they were ordered to attend, including defensive tactics and firearms training which was given by in-house Commission-certified instructors. The Petition states that the operation of the rule creates a substantial hardship for Petitioner and the medics by potentially taking the medics from their full-time employment as medics for Osceola County Fire Rescue and as part-time medics for the S.W.A.T. team if the medics were forced to attend a Commission-approved 111 hour auxiliary law enforcement academy. Petitioner seeks to have its training of the three medics recognized as equivalent to a Commission-approved law enforcement auxiliary academy and for the medics to have an additional two years from the date of the final order to complete the 80 hours of both defensive tactics and firearms instruction necessary for the medics to maintain certification as auxiliary law enforcement officers, should they be granted that certification by the Commission granting approval of the medics’ training as equivalent to that required by the Commission for auxiliary law enforcement officers.
A copy of the Petition for Variance or Waiver may be obtained by contacting: Grace A. Jaye, Assistant General Counsel, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or by telephoning (850)410-7676.
To view the notice online, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 5, 2013
The Florida Department of Management Services Division of Communications announces a public meeting on the Statewide Law Enforcement System (SLERS).
DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 9:30 a.m.
PLACE: Betty Easley Conference Center (CCOC), 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 152, Tallahassee, FL 32399
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Debi Smith at (850)922-7435 or by email at Debi.Smith@DMS.MyFlorida.com. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Debi Smith at (850)922-7435 or by email at Debi.Smith@DMS.MyFlorida.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).
November 12
Media Relations Training for Law Enforcement – 3 days in 1! The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), in cooperation with the Jupiter Police Department, the Orlando Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, are pleased to announce this exceptional media training opportunity! Regional sessions will be held November 12 (Jupiter), November 13 (Orlando) and November 14 (Tallahassee). Three days of basic, intermediate and advanced media relations training presented in a single day! This fast-paced class is jam-packed with the essential strategies and tactics, skills and techniques that will help you WIN WITH THE MEDIA! It is practical training, not theoretical: Take what you learn and put it to work for you on the street right away!
November 14
Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (“CJSTC”) Region XII Training Council. 8:35 a.m. Agenda includes Florida Department of Law Enforcement/CJSTC updates. Palm Beach State College/Criminal Justice Institute Assessment Center Updates; Region XII budget approval and any other business. West Palm Beach Police Department Community Room, 600 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida. To view the meeting notice, click here.
January 12, 2014
2014 Mid-Winter Training Conference & Exposition The Florida Police Chiefs Association’s 2014 Mid-Winter Training Conference and Exposition will be held January 12 – 14, 2014 at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 and you are cordially invited to attend. Please make your plans now to join us for this outstanding event! To make your reservations please contact the hotel directly at (800) 204-7234, be sure to mention you are with the Florida Police Chiefs Association to secure your special rate which includes self-parking at the hotel. Click here for driving directions.