The Public Safety Committee concentrates on general public safety, the judicial system, juvenile detention, impacts to county jails and emergency management. The Association advocates for initiatives that are backed by proven results. Counties have seen much success through the justice reinvestment initiatives, local alternatives to juvenile detention and pretrial intervention programs. We will assist counties as they continue to cut costs and use tax payer's dollars wisely.
Public Safety Policy Chairs*
Brad Purcell, Chair (Putnam)
Tiffany Moore Russell, Co-Vice Chair (Orange)
Kevin Beckner, Co-Vice Chair (Hillsborough)
*All FAC members are invited to participate in any committee they find of interest, only the Chairs and Co-Chairs are appointed by the President.
Public Safety
At the Florida Association of Counties, we strive to assist counties who must make difficult budget decisions, while making good public safety policy choices and remaining accountable to our citizens.
- Coalition for Smart Justice - At the Justice Summit, you’ll be able to hear what is working across America and engage Florida’s leaders in a challenge to improve our delivery of justice. Join us at the Justice Summit November 16 and 17 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
- Sheriffs, Jails & Re-entry - Sheriffs are the leading law enforcement body charged with protecting the public, which is why FAC works closely with the Florida Sheriffs Association, local Sheriffs and jail administrators. Boards of County Commissioners are responsible for approving the Sheriff’s budget, which can be more than one third of the county’s entire budget. This often includes salaries for law enforcement officers, patrol fleet vehicles, local diversion initiatives, and jail operating costs.
- Court Funding - Counties also assist in the pursuit of justice by funding county courthouses, law libraries, specialized courts and pretrial programs.
- Juvenile Detention - Unlike many other states, counties fund the majority of the 25 secure juvenile detention facilities throughout Florida. Thirty-seven counties contribute $100 million to the detention budget within the Department of Juvenile Justice. FAC is working to introduce alternative programs that keep accountability and decision-making at the local level.
- Emergency Management - Public safety is largely a local issue, but there are many instances when coordinating citizen safety must transcend county lines. Unexpected events, like hurricanes or a terrorist attack, require local preparation, statewide commitment and often national coordination. We hope that you’ll visit our emergency management section to see the role counties play when disaster strikes.
- General Public Safety - The public safety of all Floridians is a priority for the Association, including issues such as automated traffic enforcement, county emergency radio systems and funding for local crime laboratories.
2010 Major Bills
For more information on Public Safety issues contact Sarrah Carroll, Legislative Advocate II, at (850) 922-4300 and for more information on Emergency Management issues contact Eric Poole, Assistant Legislative Director.