Three police officers in the South Florida town of Homestead are facing criminal charges, according to the San Francisco Gate. All of the victims were immigrants, as the town of Homestead is home to many migrant workers. [Read more…]
Local Judge Questions Credibility of Daytona Beach Police Officers
When two Daytona Beach Police Officers wanted to search the home that 46-year old David Beauprez shared with his elderly mother, they lied to the woman to gain entry without a warrant. Circuit Judge Joseph Will reasoned that if the police were willing to lie to the elderly mother for a small amount of drugs, their case against Beuprez could not be trusted, and he suppressed the crucial drug evidence in the case. [Read more…]
Florida Police Unions Overlook Troubled Cops
In an extensive investigation by the Herald-Tribune, we get a very close look at how the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, designed to discipline officers accused of violations, may be sheltering the problem officers instead. The reason could be that the commission is filled with union representatives and members, who are notoriously interested in protecting police officers no matter the violation they are accused of. [Read more…]
Feds To Investigate Miami Police Shootings
In an eight month period eight black men were shot and killed by officers of the Miami police department. While many within the community saw this as a problem worth looking into, it’s taken a bit longer to get the attention of officials. Last week, however, the Department of Justice announced it would be looking into the shootings to determine the cause. [Read more…]
Florida Innocence Commission Studies False Confessions, Interrogations
The Tallahassee based Florida Innocence Commission has begun a new study, this one to analyze statewide interrogation tactics in an effort to limit false confessions and wrongful convictions. Earlier this year, the group completed a study on eyewitness questioning, a study that led to statewide policy. They are hoping this study goes in the same direction. [Read more…]
Miami Police Chief Exposito Suspended After Tumultuous Few Years
Miami City Manager Johnny Martinez suspended Police Chief Miguel Exposito this week for failing to obey orders and taking “other actions that indicate just and reasonable cause to demonstrate that you cannot properly perform your duties as chief of police,” according to the suspension letter. The city commission has five days to meet and determine if there is cause for Exposito’s removal, though Exposito is already planning on challenging the suspension. [Read more…]
When the Police Shoot to Kill, Investigations Can Take Years
It’s protocol when a police officer fires his weapon for an investigation to take place. But when that firing results in the death of a citizen, that investigation can take up to 6 years, according to the Miami Herald, a time frame that is considered unacceptable by many people within the community and even Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito. [Read more…]
Miami Beach Police Take Issue with Civilian Cameras
When the police kill a civilian and that killing is justified, they shouldn’t be afraid of a recording of the incident right? Well, police in Miami Beach don’t like being recorded, as was evident after they shot and killed a motorist on Memorial Day weekend. A Channel 10 news camera was taken and there are allegations that the cops tried to destroy another witness’ camera phone. While the department denies any wrongdoing, this isn’t the first incident of local police confiscating cameras and possibly abusing the people behind them. [Read more…]
Florida Crime Down Dramatically
Statewide, in 2010, crime in Florida dropped another 6.6% putting it at its lowest mark in forty years. The Uniform Crime Report published recently has Florida officials claiming victory in their fight against crime. “I applaud the work of our chiefs, sheriffs, and state law enforcement” said Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Baily, calling these individuals and their cooperative effort “instrumental” in the drop. [Read more…]
Former Florida Officer Faces Charges That Could Affect Hundreds of Local Cases
A former officer with the Cocoa Beach police is facing charges of DUI while under the influence of prescription drugs. According to toxicology reports, hydrocodone, xanax, and a muscle relaxer were all found in his system. His current case paired with his former role as an undercover drug cop may serve to upset many cases currently caught up in the local courts. [Read more…]