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Gov. Scott Issues Executive Order Aimed At Reforming Florida's Prison System

Florida Department of Corrections

Governor Rick Scott has issued an executive order seeking to reform Florida’s troubled prison system, after the legislation died over a budget impasse between the House and Senate.

In the last days of session, the House and Senate still differed on key points of their proposals and what they’d like to see in reforming the Florida Department of Corrections plagued by inmate deaths and allegations of abuse by prison guards.

And, while both proposals are no longer in play, Governor Scott included several provisions from each bill.

It includes a way to track “use of force” incidents, policies to protect DOC employees from retaliation if they report any wrongdoing, and ensures there’s a formal agreement between DOC and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that the FDLE investigate inmate deaths.

Missing are some key areas of both proposals including an oversight board that could conduct its own investigations, and a body cameras pilot program

Still, in a statement, Scott called the move “a clear path forward” for the prison system.”

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.