Florida’s largest law enforcement union defected from former President Donald Trump on Monday and backed Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying that in the 2024 election, “the choice for us could not be clearer.”
The Florida Police Benevolent Association endorsed Trump in 2020 and went with DeSantis because, as union President John Kazanjian said, he is the “most effective governor in the nation.”
“In major cities and communities across America, many Americans are grappling with increased crime rates that not only jeopardize public safety, but also threaten the quality of life in their communities,” Kazanjian said in a press release.
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“The ideological experiment of defunding the police and scapegoating law enforcement for America’s social problems has failed.”
DeSantis, he continued, is the “one candidate for president who has a proven track record in enhancing public safety and investing in the essential men and women who help maintain public safety every day.”
“For the over 30,000 men and women in the Florida Police Benevolent Association,” Kazanjian added, “the choice for us could not be clearer.”
“Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration have made Florida a law-and-order state, by investing in and supporting the thousands of law enforcement officers, who serve on the front lines in keeping our communities safe and secure,” the union stated, according to Fox News.
“Governor DeSantis has made Florida a destination for all Americans to live safely and freely,” the release continued. “He is one of the most effective Governors in the nation and he will take his proven track record to the White House, where he will continue to have the backs of law enforcement officers and make public safety a top priority.”
Law enforcement leaders praised DeSantis last week on the signing of the “Framework For Freedom Budget, saying the budget “helps keep our citizens safe by investing in Florida’s law enforcement and criminal justice community.”
The Framework for Freedom Budget included $20 million for a second round of $5,000 recruitment bonuses for law enforcement officers new to the profession or relocating from other states.
The budget also provides $110 million to provide one-time recognition bonuses for eligible local first responders.
“The Governor’s Framework for Freedom Budget helps keep our citizens safe by investing in Florida’s law enforcement and criminal justice community,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass. “At FDLE, additional resources for Capitol Police, Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, the Sex Offender Registry, and the E-Verify program will help us better serve our citizens and law enforcement partners while allowing FDLE to serve as a national leader in public safety best practices.”
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The Framework for Freedom Budget also includes nearly $100 million to boost pay for Correctional and Probation Officers.
“Florida’s Framework for Freedom is yet another perfect example of Governor DeSantis making the safety of Florida’s citizens his top priority,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Like me, Governor DeSantis understands that government’s one and only responsibility is the protection of its citizens and their rights! This budget not only strongly benefits our citizens through sound fiscal responsibility but is also the exact reason that Florida is the greatest place in the country to live, work, and raise our families.”
“Florida is enjoying record low crime levels, and this is not on accident. It is because of the leadership and investments made by Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Steve Zona, President of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police. “There are substantial pay increases across the board for all of law enforcement and investments in technology that help us all to be more efficient and successful. The first responder recognition payments and the recruiting bonuses continues to make Florida the model for others to follow. We are fortunate in Florida that we have a Governor who backs up every word that comes out of his mouth and stands with law enforcement every single day. Thank you is not enough.”
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