Legislative
The Florida Police Chiefs Association was originally organized in 1952 to promote legislation that would enhance public security by providing superior police protection for the residents of Florida as well as our many visitors.
For more than fifty years, the Association has maintained a strong presence in Tallahassee and regularly testifies on legislative issues of a public safety nature. FPCA members are frequently recognized by the legislative leaders to provide insight into public safety issues and problems facing the criminal justice system.
The Legislative Committee studies and evaluates proposed legislation that may favorably or adversley affect the Association, public safety, law enforcement or the welfare of police officers on a state or national basis. The Committee regularly reports its findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors, who determine the legislative agenda.
The full text of bills can be retrieved on the internet via the Florida's Government Online Sunshine Page. To get the bill in its final form, retrieve the enrolled version - the bill number will be followed by the letters "er." Bills can also be obtained by calling the Legislature at (850) 488-4371.
2013 Legislative Agenda
Agenda Supported and Endorsed By:
Brevard County Association of Chiefs of Police
Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police
Orange County Police Chiefs Association
Palm Beach County Association of Chiefs of Police
Polk County Police Chiefs Association
Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association
Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association
Treasure Coast Chiefs of Police and Sheriff's Association
Internet Cafés:
FPCA supports and encourages an amendment of the gambling statute (F.S.S. 849.08) to clarify the law as it relates to online gambling within the State of Florida. Currently, the gaming laws regarding internet cafes are being interpreted and applied differently throughout the State.
Distracted Driving:
FPCA supports and encourages revisions to F.S.S. 316.1925 (careless driving) to define and prohibit or restrict the use of wireless communication devices and other activities that distract drivers while operating a motor vehicle.
Loud Car Stereos:
FPCA supports and encourages an amendment to F.S.S. 316.3045 in response to the Florida Supreme Court's ruling in State v. Catalano.
2013 LEGISLATIVE POSITION STATEMENTS
Position Statement: Truth-in Sentencing
FPCA strongly supports the current “Truth-in-Sentencing” Law that requires convicted criminals to serve a minimum of 85% of their court-imposed sentence. The citizens of Florida are currently experiencing the lowest crime rate in 41 years. The “Truth-in-Sentencing” Law implemented in 1995 has been an essential tool in our efforts to reduce crime and improve Public Safety in our communities.
FPCA supports inmate re-entry programs during the incarcerated period that provides substance-abuse treatment, mental health treatment, vocational and educational training and life skills education that will prepare the inmate to become a productive citizen upon their release from incarceration.
Position Statement: Innocence Project
The Florida Innocence Commission was established on July 2, 2010 and spent two years reviewing and considering issues that are being advocated by the Innocence Project. A substantial portion of the Florida Innocence Commission efforts were invested in Eyewitness Identification and Law Enforcement Interrogation Techniques. A model policy was adopted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in conjunction with the Florida Sheriff’s Association, The Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association regarding Eyewitness Identification. FPCA believes that substantial consideration, debate and time have been committed to develop those policies. Florida has demonstrated a commitment and has invested a significant amount of tax dollars to taking the necessary actions to address these concerns. FPCA will strongly oppose any efforts by the Innocence Project to micromanage or mandate policing policies through the legislative process or waste additional taxpayer dollars on issues that have already been addressed by the Florida Innocence Commission.
Position Statement: Open Carry
FPCA strongly opposes legislation that would jeopardize officer safety by authorizing the open carry of firearms.
2013 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES OF CONCERN
In addition to the items promulgated in the FPCA Legislative Agenda, various issues and legislative topics arise that have a profound effect on public safety and our membership. FPCA takes a formal position to support or oppose the specific legislation. Among the issues for 2013, are:
SUPPORTS
FDLE SERVICES: FPCA asks the Legislature to recognize the vitally important services which FDLE provides to state, county and local law enforcement agencies and urges the Legislature to hold FDLE harmless in any budgetary cutbacks.
TRAINING CENTER TRUST FUND DOLLARS: FPCA believes it is in the best interest of law enforcement and public safety to maintain adequate funding for law enforcement training. FPCA supports FDLE’s efforts to maintain current funding levels and to assist in working to restore the trust funds.
ADEQUATE FUNDING OF THE COURT SYSTEM: FPCA believes it is in the best interest of law enforcement and public safety to have an adequately funded judicial system.
ADEQUATE FUNDING OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM: FPCA supports and urges sufficient funding for all aspects of the juvenile justice system including diversion, assessment centers, treatment, pretrial detention and commitment programs.
BATH SALTS/SYNTHETIC DRUGS: Synthetic drugs are still a concern throughout the State. Manufacturers are finding ways to circumvent the laws by modifying banned compounds. FPCA supports and encourages legislation that will eliminate this loophole and will ban these dangerous substances.
OPPOSES
EMPLOYEE/EMPLOYER RELATIONS: FPCA opposes, at both the State and Federal level, any legislative attempt to further restrict the local conduct of employee/employer relations issues. This would include any expansion of or mandating of collective bargaining by local governments.
PENSION RELATED BILLS: FPCA opposes any legislation that further reduces pension benefits for law enforcement officers.
RED LIGHT CAMERAS: FPCA opposes any legislation that repeals or limits the use of Red Light Cameras as a tool to enforce traffic laws and increase public safety.
Legislative Awards
The Florida Police Chiefs Association was originall founded in 1952 to promote legislation that would enhance public security by providing superior police protection for the residents of Florida as well as our many visitors.For more than sixty years, the Association has maintained a strong presence in Tallahassee and regularly testifies on legislative issues of a public safety nature that may favorably or adversely affect the Association, public safety, law enforcement or the welfare of police officers. In fact, FPCA members are frequently called upon by the legislative leaders to provide insight into public safety issues and problems facing the criminal justice system.
Each year, the FPCA gratefully acknowledges and recognizes members of the Florida Legislature who have worked with us during the legislative sessions in our efforts to enhance the public's safety.
Click Here to see recipients of FPCA Legislative Awards.
2012 FPCA Legislative Report
FPCA INITIATIVE:
PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR CERTIFICATION EXEMPTION:
The 2010 Legislature enacted F.S. 401.465, to require that any person serving as a public safety telecommunicator, receive specific training and certification from the State. During that Session, an attempt was made to exempt sworn law enforcement officers who might temporarily work as a telecommunicator, from that training/certification. That effort failed.
A substantial number of law enforcement agencies throughout the state, regularly use sworn officers for interim time periods when normal telecommunicators are not available. Analysis has shown that sworn officers, beginning with basic training and through field training at their employing agency, receive training in almost all facets of the newly adopted telecommunicator training, and that requiring officers to take the new training would be costly and redundant. Sworn officers tend to know better than telecommunicators, what information is needed to respond to an emergency call.
2008 FPCA Legislative Report
FPCA INITIATIVE:
2008 FPCA Legislative Initiatives
FPCA INITIATIVE:
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