‘All hands on deck:’ Volusia deputies start new role patrolling beaches
There was a big shift Friday in who patrols the beach in Volusia County. Just the day before, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that took immediate effect that says all unincorporated areas in a county now fall under the sheriff’s office.
More body cameras coming for Osceola County deputies, sheriff’s office says
he Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says they plan to issue more body-worn cameras to their deputies this year. A spokesperson for Sheriff Marcos Lopez says that since taking office, he has ensured all members on patrol have body cameras, but there are other scenarios where sworn personnel are on the job without this equipment.
Amid public feud, Worrell, Mina debate youth violence solutions at Orlando lunch
A discussion about violence among teenagers took place Monday amid a recent spate of gun violence, a string of deadly shootings in Pine Hills and an onoing public feud between two of Orange County’s top criminal justice officials.
Federal judge rules jail staff didn’t violate Gregory Edwards’ rights in 2018 jail death
A federal judge has dismissed portions of a lawsuit against Sheriff Wayne Ivey and others in the 2018 death of U.S. Army combat veteran Gregory Edwards in the Brevard County jail, tossing out claims that the force used to subdue Edwards violated his constitutional rights, according to our News 6 partners at Florida Today.
Children receive Christmas gifts in Orlando Police Department’s “Shop with a Super Cop” event
The Orlando Police Department held its “Shop with a Super Cop” event, which allows elementary to middle school-age students from Orange County to spend time with an Orlando Police Officer while buying toys from their holiday wish list.
Former Florida law enforcement agent discusses response to school shootings
Following the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 students and two adults dead, News 6 reached out to a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University for information on how law enforcement might handle a school shooting.
3 years after Orange Avenue speeding study, Winter Park residents still waiting for results
Three years after the Florida Department of Transportation released a study aimed at reducing speeding on North Orange Avenue near Winter Park, no construction has started and the state is still waiting for partial funding, according to a News 6 investigation.
7 Osceola deputies suspended for sending sexual, insensitive internal messages, report shows
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office released an internal affairs report on Friday which details the conduct of eight deputies that ultimately led to one of them being fired while the seven others were suspended.
Police identities are protected under Florida’s Marsy’s law, appeals court rules
Siding with a union that represents law-enforcement officers, a state appeals court on Tuesday unanimously decided that a constitutional amendment expanding victims’ rights can shield the identities of police officers who were threatened in use-of-force incidents.
Here’s how schools, law enforcement are reacting to Florida’s new vaccine group
ORLANDO, Fla. – School employees and law enforcement officers over 50 years old will soon be able to get the coronavirus vaccine in Florida, according to Gov. “We want that to be open not just to seniors, but to sworn law enforcement and classroom teachers,” he said. FLAGLER COUNTY“Flagler Schools applauds the use of federal vaccine sites to serve our teachers and staff,” a district spokesperson said. SUMTER COUNTY“It is wonderful to hear that classroom teachers will be able to get the vaccine,” a Sumter County School District spokesperson said. VOLUSIA COUNTY“Volusia County Schools supports efforts to get classroom teachers of all ages, who want the vaccine, to be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” a district spokesperson said.
Florida could expand government use of drones, but not for this violation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The use of drones by Florida law enforcement and government agencies could be expanded under a bill approved by a Senate committee on Tuesday. State law prohibits law enforcement from using drones to gather information, with limited exceptions. The bill unanimously approved by the Criminal Justice Committee would expand those exceptions to allow use of the devices for gathering evidence at a crime scene or traffic crash or to assist with traffic control. Law enforcement wouldn't be able to use drones to issue traffic citations. The bill would also allow state and local agencies to use drones to assess damage after floods, wildfires and natural disasters.
Here are the security measures you could see in place ahead of possible nationwide protests
According to an internal FBI bulletin, nationwide protests at state capitols and courthouses are being planned from Jan. 16 until Jan. 20. Montiero said when law enforcement receives a warning like this one, it’s important for agencies to act quickly. So, the FBI has issued their information, you have the FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) that gathers their own and then the sheriff’s offices,” he said. “Of course, they share information and then they begin to put action to prevent anything from happening.”A likely part of the security plans would be to put officers in places where they can be seen. “You’re going to get an obvious response (and) there’s going to be visual deterrents” Montiero said.
After fatal Brevard deputy-involved shooting, News 6 investigates policies on firing into a vehicle
(Scroll down to see how your local sheriff’s policy on shooting into a motor vehicle.) Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Response to Resistance / De-escalation Techniques – See page 9. Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Response to Resistance and Aggression – See page 9. Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Response to Resistance – See page 5. Volusia County Sheriff’s Office – See page 10.
Law enforcement officers have killed 1 black person per week this year, data shows
Despite protests nationwide, law enforcement officers in the U.S. have killed one black person per week so far this year, according to data from the Washington Post. How are law enforcement agencies in Central Florida responding to the calls for reform? News 6 went behind the scenes of law enforcement training for answers. There is no requirementFrom Jan. 1, 2015 until June 1, 2020, the Post documented 5,360 Americans were shot and killed by a law enforcement officer. The class is filled with law enforcement officers from across Central Florida.
Citizens Advisory Committee discuss use-of-force training with Orange County Sheriff’s Office
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff's Office Citizens Advisory Committee met virtually on Thursday evening to address concerns with use of force and training. At the beginning of the meeting with the nine-member board, Sheriff John Mina told the committee that he was open to recommendations in order to improve the agency. During the meeting, members asked questions to members of the Sheriff’s Office who oversea discipline and training. The agency told the committee that it conducts use of force training on a yearly basis, despite the Florida only requiring it be conducted once every four years. The sheriff's office told the group that choke holds are prohibited, unless lethal force is necessary.