Two Florida Corrections Officers were fired after a now-viral video shows one of them slapping an inmate. Now, the Florida Department of Corrections says the officers are under criminal investigation.
Nearly 11,000 people have seen the video apparently taken inside Hamilton Correctional Institute since it was uploaded to social media Friday.
“It is disappointing to see human beings treat other human beings poorly no matter who it is,” Denise Rock, Florida Cares Charity executive director.
The video shows two corrections officers with an inmate. One of those officers can be seen slapping the inmate not once, but twice. The Florida Department of Corrections said in a statement the officers were fired.
“It’s good we get the bad apples out of the system and make sure the folks who are working for the FDOC are treating our prisoners properly,” Rep. Mike Beltran, (R) Riverview.
FDC also said that both are under “criminal investigation by FDC’s Office of Inspector General.” Rock hoped it would lead to charges.
“Now it is time for the prosecutor to prosecute and make sure they are held accountable,” Rock said.
Rep. Diane Hart, (D) Tampa, went to the North Florida prison to see what was going on for herself after seeing the video.
“I was just enthralled because seeing those gentlemen in those cages and looking in their eyes. Seeing that look of just total despair, they’re locked up like an animal,” Rep. Hart said.
Florida corrections officers don’t wear body cameras. A bill filed this year would create a pilot program at Lowell Correctional Institution. However, that bill isn’t going anywhere despite bipartisan support in the legislature.
“We need those cameras. We need body cams,” Rep. Hart said. “That bill is critically important that not only the officer is protected, but so the inmate is protected and they don’t want to hear it.”
“I think body cameras are a good idea. I think getting rid of those so-called blind spots is another good idea. Certainly having the footage is very useful,” Rep. Beltran said.
Florida Cares said that Hamilton Correctional Institution is one of the many prisons using National Guard members to help with staffing shortages.
Source Link: https://www.wctv.tv/2024/02/13/two-florida-corrections-officers-fired-after-video-shows-officer-slapping-inmate/
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