Title
COMMISSIONER JAY SCHWARTZ - ITEM NO. 1: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO REPEAL ENACTMENT NUMBER 3322 NAMING FIELD #7 AT FLAMINGO PARK SHERIFF NICK NAVARRO FIELD IN SUPPORT OF BROWARD STATE ATTORNEY HAROLD PRYOR AND THOSE WHO WERE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA DUE TO ACTIONS TAKEN INSIDE BSO WHILE NICK NAVARRO WAS SHERIFF.
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. In a shocking revelation, the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) has come under scrutiny for its involvement in manufacturing and distributing crack cocaine between 1988 and 1990. The operation targeted buyers rather than sellers and occurred near school zones, leading to numerous arrests and convictions. Now, decades later, Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor is taking steps to rectify the injustices caused by these controversial sting operations.
2. The impact of these convictions has been significant for many individuals. A drug possession conviction on one's record can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities. While this effort to rectify past wrongs may be years overdue, it represents a crucial step towards acknowledging and addressing the harm caused by the controversial sting operation.
3. The operation has come under intense scrutiny for its questionable tactics, particularly its focus on entrapping users while avoiding the pursuit of actual drug traffickers. In some cases, law enforcement allegedly introduced individuals to crack cocaine for the first time, specifically conducting these operations near schools to enhance potential penalties.
4. The scandal began in 1988 when the BSO, under the leadership of Sheriff Nick Navarro, decided to use seized powder cocaine to manufacture crack cocaine. This illegal activity was carried out within the Broward County Courthouse, where the sheriff's chemist converted the powder into crack and distributed it to undercover deputies. These deputies then sold the crack cocaine near schools, entrapping unsuspecting buyers.
5. The operation led to the arrest and conviction of approximately 2,600 individuals, many of whom were first-time offenders and addicts. The Florida Supreme Court, in a landmark 1993 ruling, declared that it was unlawful for law enforcement to charge individuals for purchasing drugs that were manufactured and distributed by the police. The court's decision highlighted the outrageous conduct of the BSO, which violated the due process clause of the Florida Constitution.
6. For those who believe this review may affect them, the Broward County State Attorney's Office has provided contact information for assistance. Individuals can email casereview@browardsao.com or call 954-831-6543.
7. This move by Pryor's office represents a significant step towards rectifying the wrongs of the past and providing a path to redemption for those unjustly convicted. While it may be years late, the hope is that this effort will help erase the stigma associated with these convictions and offer a fresh start to those affected.
8. Commissioner Schwartz requests the Commission to direct the City Attorney to Draft and Adopt a New Resolution to remove the Name Sheriff Nick Navarro from Field #7 at Flamingo Park.
Financial Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT DETAIL:
a) Initial Cost: None.
b) Amount budgeted for this item in Account No: Not Applicable.
c) Source of funding for difference, if not fully budgeted: Not Applicable.
d) 5 year projection of the operational cost of the project: Not Applicable.
e) Detail of additional staff requirements: Not Applicable.
FEASIBILITY REVIEW:
A feasibility review is required for the award, renewal and/or expiration of all function sourcing contracts. This analysis is to determine the financial effectiveness of function sourcing services.
a) Was a Feasibility Review/Cost Analysis of Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor Conducted for this service? Not Applicable.
b) If Yes, what is the total cost or total savings of utilizing Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor for this service? Not Applicable.