Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the Florida Sheriffs Association Tuesday to reaffirm the state’s unwavering support for law enforcement.
He highlighted that Florida’s crime rate remains at a 50-year low, attributing this success to his administration’s commitment to law and order. To watch his full remarks, click here.
“As long as I am Governor, Florida will support our law enforcement officers and ensure they have the resources they need,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida is the national model of a law-and-order state.”
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Florida Sheriffs Association President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper praised DeSantis for his strong leadership. “For a state and its residents to feel safe, strong leadership is essential, and in Florida, we have a Governor who not only believes in law and order but also shows action to implement his belief,” said Leeper. He thanked DeSantis for discussing critical issues at the Summer Conference, including the potential public safety impacts of marijuana legalization.
The state’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Program, which provides $5,000 bonuses after taxes to new recruits and officers relocating to Florida, has attracted over 5,400 new officers, amounting to more than $36 million awarded to date.
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Governor DeSantis also highlighted key investments in public safety included in the recently signed Focus on Florida’s Future Budget:
- $9.3 million to combat the opioid epidemic, with $8.5 million allocated to expand the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program for the second year.
- $2 million for grants to provide new body armor to law enforcement officers statewide.
- Over $17 million to enhance Florida’s criminal databases, including the Biometric Identification Solution (BIS) database, the Missing and Endangered Person Information Clearinghouse, the Alcohol Testing Program, and the Statewide Sexual Assault Tracking System.
- $40 million for enhanced 911 call services.
Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 718, establishing criminal penalties for individuals who expose first responders to dangerous substances like fentanyl. Additionally, the Combatting Public Disorder Act, signed in 2021, prohibits the defunding of police.
Governor DeSantis’s address underscores his administration’s dedication to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of Florida’s residents.
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