The Polk County Sheriff’s Office wants you to remember not to drink and drive this holiday season. This video was published on their YouTube channel on December 11, 2013. It was sponsored by Bright House Networks.
It’s ironic that Sheriff Grady Judd has such a video on this YouTube channel considering the fact that he will not allow his DUI enforcement officers to videotape DUI investigations. As a result, guilty people go free because juries are often unwilling to convict without that video evidence. In fact, the jury is instructed that they can find reasonable doubt from the lack of evidence.
Since every person in the jury box has video and audio recording capability on their smart phone, such a policy is impossible to understand.
This odd policy ensures that innocent people are necessarily charged and convicted of DUI, especially when a deputy is willing to take the stand and lie or exaggerate the facts. It results in less accountability for the DUI enforcement officers in Polk County. The bad deputies are never caught and the good deputies get discouraged that the bad ones keep getting away with it. Not having video means that there is little accountability in the DUI enforcement unit.
Apparently, Sheriff Judd likes it that way. Less accountability is a good thing as far as he is concerned. He isn’t worried about the fact that every other Sheriff’s Office in the area requires that DUI enforcement officers have vehicles that are equipped with audio and video. In fact, the sheriff offices in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Manatee County all require that DUI enforcement officers have and use the video equipment. In many cases, it is required in their Standard Operating Procedures. Even the Florida Highway Patrol had video and audio equipment.
While we are waiting for Sheriff Grady Judd to come up with a policy that allows and requires DUI enforcement officers to video their DUI investigations, enjoy this video made for his YouTube channel.
Before you enjoy holiday parties and gatherings this holiday season think ahead. If you are going to drink, have a designated driver or make arrangements to take a cab. A little planning could save you a trip to the county jail! Drink responsibly and have a safe and happy holiday season!
Law enforcement agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area will have their DUI enforcement officers out in full force. Many are planning DUI Checkpoints, saturation patrols or heightened patrols during the Holiday Season, especially around New Year’s Eve and the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Enjoy the video and have a safe and happy Holiday Season.
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