In Kissimmee, where public confidence in police enforcement is at risk, change is sweeping through the neighborhood. Restoring confidence in the Kissimmee Police Department is at the top of the list of priorities for newly elected Mayor Jackie Espinosa. Following the resignation of the last police chief due to a number of allegations of misbehavior inside the agency, there is a movement for reform.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, Espinosa has suggested reestablishing a citizen’s review board as a means of promoting accountability and openness. After being sworn in, Espinosa said, “We’ve always been looked at as a great department, and I want to make sure that’s re-established,” as she got ready to start talking with city commissioners about the citizen review board.
At least 15 unreported cases of excessive force or unauthorized entry were found during the State Attorney’s office audit last month, further weakening the bonds between the public and their protectors. To guide the agency through this difficult period until a more long-term solution is developed, an interim chief from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has been hired.
In Kissimmee, the idea of a citizen review board is not new. After Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure severely limiting the function of these oversight bodies, such a board was dissolved in June. These boards are only permitted to examine law enforcement policies and procedures under the new laws, which forbids them from looking into use-of-force situations. Members of the previously dissolved board say they need the board to be reinstated in spite of these limitations. “We have no opinion at all if we are not present. According to WFTV, Nilisa Council, the previous vice chair of the Citizen Police Review Board, said, “I would prefer to be there in some capacity.”
The community, encouraged by the temporary police chief’s commitment to reform, hopes that this endeavor will restore trust rather than erode it, and the City Commission will consider the proposal on November 19.
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