Sheriffs and state business group issue a report that crime “feels” lower in Florida

At least 40 sheriffs from across Florida, State Attorney General Ashley Moody, and a representative from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, gathered for a press conference at Marion County Sheriff’s Office today to issue a report touting the state’s superlative policy and results in combating crime.

The report, compiled by the Florida Sheriff’s Research Institute and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, sources most of its facts from outside media sources, including nearby Villages-News.com as well as Moody’s press releases.

The report also contained the results of a survey performed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association. According to the report, sheriffs in Florida and nationally were surveyed for feedback on crime. “The survey was distributed by the National Sheriffs Association and Major County Sheriffs of America and was conducted between November 16-30, 2023. A total of 148 responses were received: 47 from Florida sheriffs and 101 nationally, from 17 different states,” explains the report.

Without providing specific crime statistic data, the survey found 40% of responding Florida sheriffs “believe” violent crime in the state has either decreased or stayed about the same (31%). On the other hand, 22% felt violent crime in their county had increased.

The poll also indicated that 72% of sheriffs were “satisfied” with their local State Attorney.

Moody said some states are losing population to Florida due to increasing crime rates in areas where people don’t feel safe.

Multiple times, the “Gazette” has reported on the nationwide glitch in crime reporting statistics as well as the “feeling” among citizens that crime is increasing is prevalent across the country, according to a recent Gallup poll. 

However, when Moody was asked about the reliability of the nationwide and state crime statistics data and where the public could find reliable data to compare for themselves, she acknowledged that systems were under “remodel” but provided no public-facing data other than the newly released report.

During the press conference, a representative from the Florida Chamber of Commerce thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers for the decisions they have made for the “safety of all Floridians.”

“We know all eyes are on Florida as a national model on how to do things right and the fact that more than 2,000 people are moving to Florida every day proves that what we are doing here is working,” the chamber representative told those assembled.

The introduction to the report states Florida’s goal is to become“a top 10 global economy by 2030.”

“Florida is the third largest state in the nation with approximately 23 million people. We expect to add 2.8 million more residents, 1.35 million new jobs, 40 million more annual visitors, and approximately 2.5 million more drivers on our roads by 2030.”

In order to ensure safety as the state’s population grows, the report outlines policies that both the Florida Association of Sheriffs and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, as well as the DeSantis administration claim they are getting right and thus having lower crime stats than other blue states.

The report states that criminal justice systems in other states have made reforms like “eliminating bail” that allow for thieves to get off with less consequences, whereas Florida legislators have increased penalties for criminals who make coordinated thefts and become repeat offenders.

When it came to drugs, the report said, “Unlike Oregon or even states that have legalized marijuana recreationally, Florida has taken a different approach” such as “increased mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment of those trafficking fentanyl” or other drugs that cause death.

The report indicated that Florida has taken an “opposite approach” to activists who have sought to “defund law enforcement” by putting in legislation that stops local governments from cutting back police and sheriff budgets.

The report also touts success targeting “rogue prosecutors” the governor has stepped in to remove the prosecutors and or reassign cases.

Additionally, the report says Florida has strengthened the bail system and held juveniles more accountable for crime.

In the report’s conclusion, “research” contained in the report, as well as “recent survey data” show that positive solutions are being implemented for both “economic prosperity and community stability.”

To watch the press conference, visit https://bit.ly/4aBE5qD.