Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that limits civilian investigations by government-affiliated boards into local law enforcement officers’ conduct in cities like Miami, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. This new law, which has been effective since July 1, impacts 21 Florida counties and cities where civilian oversight panels review citizen complaints against officers using public records and witness interviews. Some of these boards were established by voters, while others were created by officials following policing controversies.
The new legislation, HB 601, significantly restricts these panels from receiving and following up on complaints. Members and employees of oversight agencies in Miami and Tampa are assessing the implications of the bill. Rodney Jacobs Jr., executive director of the Miami Civilian Oversight Panel, acknowledged the need to understand the bill’s full impact on their operations.
DeSantis said the measure will put the “kibosh” on certain communities that have stacked boards with activists. These boards will no longer be free to use law enforcement as political pinatas or create false narratives.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass applauds the bill, stating that men and women who work in law enforcement do not need to be scrutinized by a committee that “has no idea what they’re talking about.” The bill passed during the legislative session that ended March 8.
Advocates for police accountability, like the ACLU of Florida, criticized the law, arguing it undermines community efforts to build trust with law enforcement. It has been called a “blanket solution to problems that don’t exist.” However, police unions and law enforcement officials support the law, with DeSantis claiming that police review boards often act as a “political weapon” in certain jurisdictions.
The bill empowers county sheriffs to create their own civilian oversight boards, which must include a retired law enforcement officer. It’s unclear if these sheriff-controlled boards will replace or coexist with existing civilian panels.
In cities like Tampa, existing civilian boards, which typically do not have the power to discipline officers, might still audit police investigations under the new law. In fact, members of Tampa’s Citizen Review Board believe the new legislation won’t hinder their activities, as they mainly review closed police investigations.
Critics argue the law could diminish the role of civilian review boards in promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement. However, supporters claim that internal affairs units and state-level commissions provide sufficient oversight.
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This new law is particularly interesting because members of Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm are on the City of Miami Civilian Investigation Panel and Chair of the Complaints Committee. The panel’s legal team is hoping to keep the panel going but this bill is troublesome.
Whether you are dealing with a law enforcement issue or an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, can assist you with your case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (954) 876-4344 or filling out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.