DeSantis Bans Civilian Review Boards Investigating Police Misconduct

Governor DeSantisPhoto byPublic Use

The Governor signed a new bill which would remove police conduct oversight from the hands of civilians, and instead, place it with oversight boards that would be appointed by the law officers themselves.

The bill passed the Republican legislature unanimously, and was sent to DeSantis for final signature which he did on Friday. It strips cities and towns of the right to investigate officer misconduct.

The law prohibits municipalities as follows:

A political subdivision may not adopt or attempt to enforce any ordinance relating to either of the following:

(a) The receipt, processing, or investigation by any political subdivision of this state of complaints of misconduct by law enforcement or correctional officers, except as expressly provided in this section.

(b) Civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies’ investigations of complaints of misconduct by law enforcement or correctional officers.

The reason given for the change is that misconduct investigations are stessful for officers. Right now, at least 20 cities in Florida have ongoing investigations into complaints against various police agencies.

Republican representative Wyman Duggan said that the boards disadvantage law-abiding citizens because a quality police candidate would not want to work in an area with "no protection."

A study, however, by the LeRoy Collins Institute concluded the use of “civilian oversight agencies” increases citizens trust in police forces, improve communication, and improve officer behavior. It also shows a 15% decrease in Black arrest rates in communities with oversight boards.

Starting July 1st, Citizen committees will not be able to investigate officer complaints.

Another law signed by DeSantis makes it illegal to interfere with first responders actively working a scene. Anyone who doesn’t follow orders could spend 60 days in jail.