Florida Wants Bad Police Officers From Other States
Bring Me Your Rejects And Criminals
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door”
The above words were written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 and are now inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. Emma viewed America as a place that welcomed immigrants, anxious to escape their homeland in search of a better life. Florida is extending a similar offer to police officers in search of an environment where acceptance is more likely.
Governor Ron DeSantis came up with Florida’s Law Enforcement Relocation Program in response to officers losing their jobs in other states for refusing to be vaccinated for COVID-19. DeSantis also reached out to disgruntled officers who didn’t appreciate their department’s response to the George Floyd video and subsequent protests. The program offers $5,000 bonuses to officers who relocate to Florida. They are also eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus and relocation funds.
