Attorney General Ashley Moody is intensifying law enforcement recruitment efforts with a new interview series called the Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series. The series aims to highlight out-of-state officers who have answered the call to serve in Florida, which is considered the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. These officers have left their homes in states like California and New York, where a lack of support for law enforcement and soft-on-crime policies have compromised public safety.
Attorney General Moody emphasized the courageous decision made by these officers to uproot their lives and become Florida heroes. She stated, "Some of their stories highlight a growing problem in parts of the country where leaders have chosen soft-on-crime policies over the safety of officers and the communities they serve." Some officers have relocated to Florida to provide a safer and freer environment for their families, while others appreciate the honor and support bestowed upon them in the state.
In the first installment of the Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series, Attorney General Moody interviewed Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy Geoff Moore. Deputy Moore, who moved to Florida from New Hampshire, discussed how a new bail-reform law made it challenging to keep criminals behind bars. After careful consideration and discussions with his family, Deputy Moore decided to move to Florida. He expressed his satisfaction with the public safety policies in the state and the collective support from the community and his colleagues at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
The series also features two officers from California who grew frustrated with the decriminalization of serious felonies in their home state. They highlighted the detrimental effects of early-release programs, which allowed criminals to continue their crime sprees and instilled fear in victims. St. Petersburg Officer Dean Buttar emphasized how California prioritized criminals over officers and law-abiding citizens, resulting in fewer victims pressing charges.
In the final installment of the series, Attorney General Moody sits down with a law enforcement couple who met while working for the New York City Police Department. Officers Mike and Angeliesse Nesterwitz decided to move to Florida in search of a change of scenery and a safer environment to start a family. They are now serving as officers at Tampa International Airport, where they feel fully supported in their mission to protect and serve.
The Be A Florida Hero initiative, launched by Attorney General Moody in 2021, plays a crucial role in recruiting law enforcement officers to Florida. This interactive recruitment tool showcases career opportunities available at law enforcement agencies across the state and highlights the new benefits that have been implemented, such as a law enforcement bonus program and relocation grants. Since July 2022, over 900 new law enforcement officers have relocated to Florida from other states.
The Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series expands on Attorney General Moody's Thin Line Tribute program, which recognizes the daily efforts of front-line officers in protecting Floridians. The program aims to give law enforcement officers the recognition they deserve but may not always receive. The TLT Sunshine Salute specifically honors out-of-state officers who have answered the call to become Florida heroes. The launch of the series featured recruits from Illinois, New York, and Philadelphia.
Attorney General Moody's efforts to actively recruit law enforcement officers from out-of-state highlight Florida's commitment to supporting and honoring those who serve and protect. Through the Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series and the Be A Florida Hero initiative, the state aims to continue attracting dedicated officers who share in the commitment to upholding public safety and law enforcement values.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-ramps-leo-recruitment-efforts-sunshine-sit-down-series-featuring-new