Florida Bill Seeks to Abolish Local Civilian Police Review Boards:
A new bill in the Florida Legislature aims to abolish all local civilian police review boards across the state, including those in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The bill has sparked concerns among city officials, who view the boards as essential tools for promoting police accountability and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll expressed her disappointment in the bill, stating that the review board is a valuable resource for the police department to receive input and assistance. Similarly, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who served as a police chief before becoming mayor, emphasized the importance of the board in fostering trust between the police and the community.
The Tampa Citizens Review Board was established in 2015 in response to a Tampa Bay Times investigation that revealed racial disparities in police ticketing practices. While the board does not have subpoena power, it does have its own attorney and currently has five appointees each by the mayor and City Council, as well as one council-confirmed mayoral appointee.
A new bill in the Florida Legislature aims to abolish all local civilian police review boards across the state, including those in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The bill has sparked concerns among city officials, who view the boards as essential tools for promoting police accountability and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll expressed her disappointment in the bill, stating that the review board is a valuable resource for the police department to receive input and assistance. Similarly, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who served as a police chief before becoming mayor, emphasized the importance of the board in fostering trust between the police and the community.
The Tampa Citizens Review Board was established in 2015 in response to a Tampa Bay Times investigation that revealed racial disparities in police ticketing practices. While the board does not have subpoena power, it does have its own attorney and currently has five appointees each by the mayor and City Council, as well as one council-confirmed mayoral appointee.
COMMENTARY | Florida lawmakers are considering far-reaching legislation that would weaken an already beleaguered state ethics commission and would virtually wipe away the power of local ethics watchdogs to investigate and enforce laws intended to fight corruption. The legislation could make local ethics officials "lap dogs instead of watchdogs," said Kirby Oberdorfer, the director of Jacksonville's Office of Ethics, Compliance and Oversight. Reference: Visit website
TL;DR?
• Florida bill would abolish all local civilian police review boards statewide, including those in Tampa and St. Petersburg.• The bill is moving towards passage in the Florida Legislature and would pre-empt the powers of local governments.
• City officials in both cities have expressed concerns about the bill, with St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll calling the board "a great tool for the police to get input and assistance."
• The Tampa Citizens Review Board was formed in 2015 after a Tampa Bay Times investigation revealed racial disparities in police ticketing practices, and has been the subject of controversy over membership appointments and subpoena power.
• Former Mayors Bob Buckhorn and Jane Castor, who is also a former police chief, opposed expanded powers and sought more control over membership. The board currently has five appointees each by the mayor and council, and one council-confirmed mayoral appointee.
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