To cuff or not to cuff?

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Some probation officers disagree with the DOC's policy about handcuffing probation violators.

Some Florida probation officers say a state policy potentially puts the officer and the public in danger.

They say the policy could allow probation violators to avoid getting handcuffed and arrested. The policy was passed along verbally to supervisors earlier this month.

Richard Gordon, southwest regional vice-president of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, said the union wants to talk to the DOC about the policy.

"The PBA's asking the DOC for a consultation regarding the handcuffing issue," Gordon said.

In an e-mail obtained by Bay News 9, a union attorney attempted to nail down the rules.

He asked the assistant secretary of community corrections if the

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unwritten policy says offenders who are arrested should only be placed in handcuffs if they present an imminent danger to staff or personnel.

He also asks if it's true that if an offender attempts to leave a probation office, the officer is not to make a physical effort to restrain or otherwise control the offender.

The assistant secretary replies, "Your statements are correct."

Officers are not allowed to talk to the media, but at an online message board hosted by leoaffairs.com, some voiced their frustration that the policy would allow an offender who may not seem dangerous at the time to go free.

"I pray no innocent child has to suffer at the hands of this negligent policy," one writer said.

Another wrote, "What happens to us when he goes out and kills somebody? Who do you think will get fired?"

DOC assistant secretary Beth Atchison said the policy is an old one, and said the officers can use their best judgment.

"They certainly have the discretion, knowing the offenders, to do what they think is necessary as long as they're following policy," Atchison said.

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