Five Florida Crime Bills Signed into Law
Taking a no-nonsense stance against Internet predators, sex offenders, and crimes committed against law enforcement officers, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed five bills into law today. Crist also proposed that the Florida Supreme Court empanel a statewide grand jury to investigate gang activities.
Taking a no-nonsense stance against Internet predators, sex offenders, and crimes committed against law enforcement officers, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed five bills into law today. Crist also proposed that the Florida Supreme Court empanel a statewide grand jury to investigate gang activities, The News-Press reported.
Expanding the CyberCrimes division was a win-win for both the governor and Attorney General Bill McCollum. The Office of Statewide Prosecution had requested that the special multi-jurisdictional grand jury investigate organized operations ranging from drug dealing and theft to computer pornography and racketeering.
According to McCollum, expanding the reach of the cyber-crimes unit from six employees to 56 will enable investigative officers to work with city and county police statewide to help quell sexual predators' use of online chat rooms or social networking sites to find minors.
"There is absolutely nothing more important than protecting our people, especially Florida's children," says Crist.
In addition to the CyberCrimes Act, the new laws include SB 1604, which tightens registration criteria for sex offenders, HB 409, which increases penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers, and HB 25, which increases penalties for drunk drivers who leave the scene of an accident. HB 25 also toughens manslaughter penalties.
More Training

Vector Solutions Launches Comprehensive Online Dispatch Training Catalog for Emergency Communications Professionals
Vector Solutions’ new catalog of 35 expert-developed online courses can help emergency communication centers strengthen training, meet certification requirements, and simplify continuing education.
Read More →Tools for Active Shooter Response Training
What technologies help prepare officers for active shooter response situations? This behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement training explores shot simulators, smart firearms, laser target systems, and the tools used to build safer, more effective training environments.
Read More →Two-Officer Tactical Doorway Entry Techniques
Entering a room during active-threat situations requires communication, coordination, and disciplined tactical movement. In this video, trainers from the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association demonstrate critical room entry concepts, including fatal funnel awareness, team coordination, and safe tactical movement.
Read More →High Compressed Ready Explained | Muzzle Control For Room Entry
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director for the United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, demonstrates the high compressed ready position and discusses muzzle control during room entry.
Read More →Why Attend the DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm?
Let’s hear from Ryan Bracken, head of product, about why your agency should send someone to the first annual DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm in April.
Read More →
Caswell Live Fire Spins Off from InVeris
Caswell Live Fire has spun off from parent company InVeris, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Caswell’s founding. Over the past 100 years, Caswell has developed pioneering solutions that support military, law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →How to Pick Your High-Risk Stop Location for Tactical Advantage
Hear veteran trainer Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, explain several considerations that can help you wisely pick your best spot to initiate high-risk or felony traffic stops.
Read More →Coffee Break with Police Experts: Using Your Patrol Vehicle for Cover
In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
Preventing Blue-on-Blue Shootings
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, discusses how to prevent blue-on-blue shootings.
Read More →