criminal justice

As the numbers of COVID-19 deaths and infections in prisons soar, workers, inmates and their loved ones continue to plead for help from the state.

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to take up appeals by a former Florida State University fraternity president and two other fraternity members, clearing the way for them to face felony hazing charges in the 2017 death of a pledge who drank heavily at an off-campus party.

Florida’s Attorney General recognizes a Calhoun County Sheriff sergeant and deputy who responded to an active-shooter situation in May. The officers received a Back the Blue award.

Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mark Inch has caught the coronavirus. He is the highest-ranking state official known to have tested positive.

The total number of COVID-19 cases stemming from Florida’s correctional facilities is nearing 5,000. Concern about the health of inmates has led to calls for Governor Ron DeSantis, and local law enforcement authorities to release those behind bars. Community activist groups say holding people in a facility with a coronavirus outbreak could equate to a death sentence for some inmates. But law enforcement officials say the safety of community members has to be considered too.

The Tallahassee Police Department is asking for community help in solving an early morning Saturday shooting where some 300 people were gathered at the Rattler Gas Station on West Orange Avenue and Springhill Road.

The Tallahassee Police Department is being ordered to release the names of two police officers involved in the fatal shooting of stabbing suspect Tony McDade. That’s the ruling from Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson, but the police union says it will appeal.

For the rural community of Franklin County, not having inmate labor is putting a strain on resources. Due to the Coronavirus, the Florida Department of Corrections is limiting how many inmate work squads can go outside.

Allegations of sexual assault and harassment are sweeping through the Super Smash Brothers fighting game community. In Florida, tournament organizers and players are trying to come up with ways to make their community safer.

It’s been six years since Florida State University law professor Dan Markel was killed