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Florida Department Of Law Enforcement Celebrates 50 Years In Existence

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is marking its 50th year in existence. In 1967, the Florida legislature merged the duties and responsibilities of several state criminal justice organizations to create the Bureau of Law Enforcement—its former name. FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen says at the time, the agency had more than 90 members and a budget of $1.5 million.

“Bringing together the resources of the Florida Sheriffs Bureau, the state Narcotics squad, and the anti-bookie squad of the Attorney General’s office, the Bureau was charged with investigating multi-jurisdictional, multi-victim crime facing the state,” he said, during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. “In 1969, our name was changed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and today, we stand at 1,800 members and a budget that totals almost $300 million.”

Swearingen says throughout FDLE’s history, Florida’s top law enforcement agency has filled a unique niche by supporting its law enforcement partners and establishing a connection with the public.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.