Florida Police Chiefs Association Update: Week Ending October 26, 2012
Oct 26, 2012
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 26, 2012. 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.
NEWS
Felony Warnings Combine With Bogus Mail to Limit Voter Turnout
When Phyllis Cleveland first saw the billboard on East 35th Street warning of prison time and a $10,000 fine for voter fraud, the city councilwoman concluded it had one purpose: to intimidate the constituents of her predominantly low-income ward in Cleveland, Ohio.
Drug-sniffing cases send Supreme Court to the dogs
Franky found drugs in Florida.
Prescription drug deaths in Florida drop for 1st time in decade
For the first time in 10 years prescription drug deaths dropped in Florida, according to a report released today by state law enforcement officials.
Florida’s pioneering Blue Alert system model for federal bill
It’s been nearly a year since Keith Gorski last put on a West Palm Beach police uniform, strapped on his riding helmet and mounted his Harley to stop an erratic speeder.
Three Florida cops ordered fired for traffic accident cover-up
One night last fall, Leovigildo Bravo Fraga was driving to work when a Medley police car, turning left at an intersection, crashed into his mini-van.
Kenneth City hires new police chief
Their first choice for chief was Michael Baute, a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Florida law helps scrap air conditioning unit thefts
Florida’s tougher scrap-metal resale regulations seem to be cracking down on thefts of air-conditioning units, Brevard County Sheriff’s Agent Lee Wenner said.
Memorial Service for St. Petersburg Assistant Police Chief’s Daughter, Killed in Afghanistan
St. Petersburg Police announced that Brittany Gordon, daughter of St. Petersburg Assistant Police Chief Cedric Gordon, died serving in the U.S. Army overseas in Afghanistan.
Column: Justice System Continues to Move Further from the People
At every level, civil and criminal courts have continued to function in such a manner that the average citizen is at a severe disadvantage when they either choose to seek redress through them, or are forced to participate in their proceedings.
Florida Governor Rick Scott Does “Work Day” at Florida Crime Laboratory
Florida Governor Rick Scott has put in another “Let’s Get to Work Day,” this time as a crime laboratory analyst.
Insurance company apologizes for rift with Nebraska deputy
An insurance company that canceled the homeowner’s policy of a Nebraska sheriff’s deputy because of his K-9 unit dog said Thursday it’s looking to change its practices regarding police dogs.
REPORTS
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners, 2011 Report
The Office of Vital Statistics reported 9,135 drug-related deaths occurred in Florida during 2011 (whether the drug was the cause of death or was merely present). The vast majority of these decedents had more than one drug occurrence. The four most frequently occurring drugs found in decedents were alcohol, benzodiazepines, oxycodone, and cocaine. Compared with 2010, oxycodone occurrences decreased by 10.7% and deaths caused by oxycodone decreased by 17.7%. However, overall drug-related deaths increased by 1.4% last year.
The deinstitutionalization of status offenders, one of the core requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, pertains to those minors who have engaged in problem behaviors that would not be considered adult offenses, such as not attending school, running away from home, breaking curfew, and possessing alcohol or tobacco. This report presents results of a national survey of 287 judicial officers. In the survey, most of the judicial officers identified “sexting” and cyberbullying as emerging status offenses. Ninety-one percent of respondents indicated that diversion programs are generally effective and adequately protect the interests of the community and victims. Judges indicated that they “often” or “always” divert status offenders at the following rates: runaways (54%), truancy (53%), curfew violations (50%), incorrigible/ungovernable (49%), possession or use of tobacco (46%), possession of alcohol (36%), and use of alcohol (35%).
National Center for State Courts: Juror and Jury Use of New Media: A Baseline Exploration
The incidence of juror use of advanced communications technologies to conduct independent research on trial-related issues and to communicate with others about the trial while it is underway is a source of increasing concern about the fairness of jury verdicts. This paper describes the results of a pilot test of survey instruments used to document the frequency of juror and jury use of new media and its impact on trial deliberations and verdicts. Findings indicate judges and attorneys view juror Internet use as a moderately severe problem. Most jurors correctly understood judicial admonitions concerning Internet use by jurors, but sizeable minorities either misunderstood or were unsure about those admonitions. Sizeable proportions of jurors said that they would have wanted to use the Internet to conduct case-related research or communicate with family and friends. No difference in juror interest levels were expressed between civil and criminal trials.
MEETINGS
Law enforcement-related meetings and contact information from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
|
October 29-November 1, 2012 |
Sarasota, FL |
||
|
October 30-31, 2012 |
Sarasota, FL |