The law enforcement veteran discusses the signing of two bills meant to protect police officers – which have “Defund the Police” supporters up in arms.
At a time when some states simply don’t provide their police officers enough care (ahem, New York), Gov. Ron DeSantis is looking to make a difference.
Per this report from UPI, DeSantis recently signed two new bills that will enable police to be protected from “anti-police activists.”
The first bill enables a 25-foot “no go” zone around police and first responders that are “engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty.” The first warning in breaking this rule will result in a verbal warning, while the second will see them charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
The second will limit the ability of citizen police oversight boards to investigate misconduct allegations, giving sheriffs and police chiefs full power to appoint members.
“I was proud to sign legislation today to ensure law enforcement officers can serve our communities without worrying about harassment from anti-police activists,” DeSantis said in a social media post. “We will continue to take action to ensure Florida remains the friendliest state in the nation for law enforcement officers.”
That said, the bills have their naysayers, mainly those that believe their First Amendment rights are being trampled upon. Many supporters of “Defund the Police” are also up in arms, as they believe the death of George Floyd wouldn’t have been filmed with such a rule in place.
So who’s in the right? Joining us now to discuss this plan further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts is President, Founder, and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships.
His expertise in all things law and order make him a great guest for this interview. Welcome, Michael!
Q&A:
- What are your thoughts on the two bills that were signed by DeSantis over the weekend? Will they assist officers and first responders with getting their jobs done?
- What do you think about sheriffs and police chiefs being able to appoint members to citizen police oversight boards with the second bill put in place?
- What are your thoughts about those First Amendment advocates that believe their rights are being violated with the introduction of a 25-foot “no go” zone?
- If successful, could we see similar bills being introduced in other states?
- What about those “defund the police” believers that feel that officers and first responders need to be filmed to assure their jobs are being done?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
- You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
