By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-989790.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A group of law enforcement and victim advocates that review funding requests and discuss crime issues having the most impact on people in the state is uncertain of its future. As Sascha Cordner reports, the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council is are unsure if lawmakers still think its function in the state will be necessary.
The Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council is required to meet twice a year to review funding requests for programs, such as the Victim-Witness Protection Reimbursement Program. But, the group's chairman, Bernie McCabe, who is also the state Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit, says he's not sure there's really any purpose for the council as it is now:
"If we're going to be in existence, but without a mission, other than the 100-thousand dollars from the victim-witness thing, I'm not sure we need to take up people's time with meaningless conference calls twice a year or whatever it is."
The council is also supposed to make recommendations to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner about initiatives from violent crime to drug crime. At a Wednesday meeting, members decided to set up a face-to-face meeting with FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey to discuss the future of the council, including if the group should start managing funds for other areas, like the clean-up of methamphetamine labs.