The criminalization of today’s youth is a crime. More and more we read about children who are yanked out of school for the most benign actions or who are arrested or even killed when they are seen as a “threat”. But, a recent story out of Miami illustrates just how law enforcement power has gone too far in regards to children, and race. [Read more…]
High Court Limits Cell-Phone Searches
If you’re like most people who carry a smart phone, you have a lot of data accessible on there. You might bank from your phone, email, schedule your day, not to mention keep in contact with everyone you know, Tweet, and update your Facebook status. In other words, your phone is not just a source of calls—it’s a virtual computer. And it’s this wealth of information that helped the Florida Supreme Court determine that police can’t search through your phone randomly, at least not unless they can get a warrant. [Read more…]
Florida City to Settle Police Brutality Cases
Two separate police brutality cases are pending before the Boynton Beach City Commission. They are likely to settle both cases, costing the city a projected $114,000. Though the details on one case are limited, the city’s willingness to settle indicates that there is some significant truth to the plaintiffs’ allegations.
[Read more…]
Unintended Consequences of War on Florida’s Pill Mills
In 2010, it was called the “single greatest challenge to the state’s public health and safety,” according to Florida drug czar Bruce Grant. The unlawful prescription drug trade was in full swing, with pill mills doling out powerfully addictive pills left and right and the number of Floridians being killed by otherwise legal drugs growing exponentially. The problem was met with swift action and a collective effort by state, federal, and local authorities. Now it seems to be coming under control, but the fight hasn’t been all positive. [Read more…]
Florida Medical Marijuana Bill Fails to Advance
Update: This post is from early 2013. The 2014 medical marijuana ballot initiative is approved and ready to go before the voters in November.
It’s been an impressive turnaround in just a year, thanks to the incredibly hard work of organizations like United for Care.
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Despite the fact that an estimated 70% of Floridians support medical marijuana, lawmakers have failed to move a bill that would put the framework for such a system in place. The “Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act” didn’t even make it to hearing. While one lawmaker is promising to reintroduce an updated version next year, some are hoping to get it to the ballot instead.
“Bad” Florida Cop Key Witness in Several Criminal Cases
Hypothetically speaking, if a police officer was a known liar and had several incidents demonstrating his questionable ethics, you would think any right-minded prosecutor wouldn’t want him as a key witness testifying in criminal trials. Well, in the case of one Florida cop, you’d be wrong. On the contrary, prosecutors are protecting him. [Read more…]
Florida Drone Legislation Creeps Forward
Miami-Dade was the first police department to be granted an FAA permit for drone flying in 2011. Since then another 81 such permits have been granted. Yet, the Miami-Dade Police Department has yet to use their drones. Now, the future of their unmanned eyes-in-the-sky is looking even bleaker as lawmakers slowly work through limiting their applications. [Read more…]
Elderly Woman Forcefully Removed From Train for Singing
An 82-year old devoutly religious woman was removed from the Metrorail in Miami last month. She was singing. Apparently, singing is against the rules on the Metrorail and when Emma Anderson refused to stop, the guard saw no other alternative. [Read more…]
$175,000 in Police Money Missing, Cop Under Investigation
A recently retired police sergeant with the Hollywood police department is under investigation. Sgt. John Nevins was in charge of the evidence room for the past few years, and officials say as much as $175,000 could be missing from that room. [Read more…]
Fewer Florida Inmates Returning to Prison
The recidivism rate in Florida has dropped and is continuing to fall, said the Department of Corrections Secretary Michael D. Crews. But, he says, more can be done and private prisons and companies should stay out of state business. [Read more…]
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