criminal justice

Democrats and Republicans are using Tallahassee’s crime rate in political attacks, but experts say that could mislead voters. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis is going after his opponent Andrew Gillum. He says the city’s crime rate has topped the state during Gillum’s term as mayor. 

Voters will decide whether to place victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution this November.

Advocates say it’s necessary to give victims a voice in the criminal justice process. But opponents argue these rights already exist under Florida law. 

A bystander was mistakenly bit by a K9 dog during an incident caused by a fleeing suspect. The Leon County Sheriff’s Department is looking into the situation.

The former head of Florida’s juvenile justice system has a new job. After four years at the helm of DJJ, Christy Daly left her post at the end of last month. The following is some of the highs and lows of her tenure.

Denise Williams will not be getting out of jail any time soon. Florida’s First District Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court’s decision to not grant Williams bail as she awaits trial over the death of her ex-husband Mike Williams. 

The trial for two suspects accused of the murder of Dan Markel has been delayed again. Sigfredo Garcia and Katherine Magbanua will return to court on Nov. 19 for a case management hearing.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal has rolled out new training materials for employers of the state’s first responders. It’s to help those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Monday marked the 20th annual Florida Missing Children’s Day. It was not only a time to remember those still missing and those forever gone, the day also honors the state’s efforts.

Governor Rick Scott’s decision to start the process of appointing new Florida Supreme Court justices has ignited a looming constitutional crisis.  At the center of the issue: who—the outgoing or incoming governor—has the ability to make those appointments.

The Florida Department of Corrections has opened a new mental health facility in Wakulla County.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies are warning Niceville residents to be aware of a scam. Scofflaws are pretending to fundraise on behalf of an area high school.

The fate of a former Tallahassee police officer accused of sexual battery is now in the hands of jurors.  Vincent Crump is accused of raping a woman during a February traffic stop.

The head of the Second Harvest of the Big Bend will join the Leon County Commission. Rick Minor won the seat currently held by Tallahassee Mayoral candidate John Dailey.

The Tallahassee Police Department is inviting residents to a series of forums about body cameras.

The trial for an ex-Tallahassee Police Officer charged with three counts of sexual battery began Monday. He was fired for allegedly assaulting a woman during a routine traffic stop.

The ACLU is declaring victory after a federal court ruled in favor of an inmate initially seeking hormone therapy while incarcerated. The transgender woman is also now allowed to wear female clothes in accordance with her gender identity.

The union representing law enforcement officers in the Florida Panhandle say they’re going to fight the recent firing of a Tallahassee Police officer.

Last week, Florida’s Stand Your Ground law took center stage as people rallied, protested, and marched over the killing of a black unarmed man during a dispute over a handicapped parking space.

The shooter, a white man, was never arrested. That is, until earlier this week, when the Pinellas County State Attorney decided to file charges.

Last week, Sascha Cordner spoke to the main author of Stand Your Ground, who weighed in on the case and the law before the charges were filed. But, first, what led up to this point?

Last month’s killing of a man during a dispute over a parking space has revived the conversation about a repeal of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. The overall debate surrounding the controversial self defense law is also having an impact on Florida's elections.