Local law enforcement respond to state’s Use of Force legislation

In June, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a police reform bill (House Bill 7051) after unanimous decision in both the Florida House and Senate.

The bill focuses on use-of-force police training and sets new standards for law enforcement, correctional officers, and police training academies.

The bill went into effect on the first of this month.

According to the legislation, the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Committee should develop standards for training officials in the use of force.

Each recruitment agency should develop a policy on the use of force, to include:

• Proportional use of force.

• Alternative methods of using force, including downgrading methods.

• The authorities using restrictions on a subject, such use-of-force, should be limited and used only if officials believe that there is an imminent risk of serious injury or death to officials or others.

• The duty officer being held responsible for observing another officer using or attempting to use excessive force to intervene.

Beginning July 1, 2023, these standards must be included in all required basic qualification courses for law enforcement agencies to obtain the officer’s initial certification.

Despite the mass changes, Havana Police Department Chief Tracy Smith doubts the new legislation will affect the way his agency safeguards the Town of Havana, as Chief Smith says his department has already taken early initiative in examining the use of force in the department’s longtime commitment to the safety of Havana.

“Most of the changes have [already] been implemented in our policy here in Havana for many years,” said Chief Smith.

“The law is not going to affect Havana, much because we have been practicing the changes way beforehand,” said Chief Smith. “We have not had to use force in any way for many years. We have promoted safety in our town and the citizens of our town have helped with making our jobs a lot easier.”

Captain Robert Mixson, Quincy Police Department’s administrator and support services officer, says he has been a strong advocate of the community, his department has always followed protocol and that the bill ensures their standard practices are well organized and documented.

“As far as the house bill as far as I can tell, it is going to be making sure that certain language is in the policy and codified, rather than a standard gesture of practice,” said Mixson. “However, every officer that comes into the department will be very well trained on the use of force. That is a requirement, as well as ethics.”

Following the death of George Floyd and other police involved deaths of people of color within the past year, members of Gadsden County are in favor of the new legislation, some even claiming the law should have been created “years ahead of its time.”

“I agree with the reform,” said Gadsden County native Shaun McCray. “It’s something that is long overdue to be honest. I have black sons and I want to ensure they are protected and not felt as a threat because of the color of their skin.”

Kenya Jackson, a 20-year-resident of Quincy, stated she was “relieved” to hear of the news.

“We needed this,” said Jackson. “In a lot of cases officers need to be held accountable. Unnecessary force has been taking place lately amongst people and they have been getting away with it.”

The law also focuses on a thorough knowledge of signs of mental illness and other disabilities to ensure the proper care and handling of citizens during a procedure.

Along with the addition of safety guidelines, the legislation has required police agencies, as well as the Department of Law Enforcement, to undergo thorough investigations to reduce the hiring of problematic officials.

Reports shall be made once an officer violates the code of conduct, independent reviews, and annual agency reports will be reported to the Department of Law Enforcement.

Adrian Andrews - Gadsden County News Service

Local law enforcement respond to state’s Use of Force legislation

Alcoholic drinks to be sold on-the-go: State law permits to-go sales of alcoholic beverages

Breakfast with a Battle Buddy: Gadsden County Veterans Service to host free breakfast for local veterans

Breakfast with a Battle Buddy: Gadsden County Veterans Service to host free breakfast for local veterans

Recommended

Saving lives, one pint at a time – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hosts blood drive

ONE OF US: Monica Smart-Gainous leads a life of community service

Popular News

Newsletter

Category

Site Links

About Us

Welcome Back!

Create New Account!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Local law enforcement respond to state’s Use of Force legislation

Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Gadsden County Times.

Subscribe

Alcoholic drinks to be sold on-the-go: State law permits to-go sales of alcoholic beverages

Breakfast with a Battle Buddy: Gadsden County Veterans Service to host free breakfast for local veterans

Breakfast with a Battle Buddy: Gadsden County Veterans Service to host free breakfast for local veterans

Recommended

Saving lives, one pint at a time – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hosts blood drive

ONE OF US: Monica Smart-Gainous leads a life of community service

Popular News

Newsletter

Category

Site Links

About Us

Welcome Back!

Create New Account!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?