FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 19, 2013

State Attorney Phil Archer Launches

Year-Long Law Enforcement Training Series

            Today (Thursday, Sept. 19), State Attorney Phil Archer launched a 12-course series of law enforcement training designed to keep Brevard County officers up-to-date on the most recent changes to laws and procedures used in keeping the public safe.

            “Interrogation of Suspects in Light of Miranda and its Progeny” was the focus of the first class which included an overview of the State Attorney’s Office. Veteran prosecutors Bill Respess and Gary Beatty conducted the session which brought in 55 officers from across the county.

     “Not only are there new laws every year, there are continual appellate court rulings which affect the interpretation of laws which have been on the books for ages. It is difficult for law enforcement to keep up with all these changes. But, that’s part of our job, to share the information with the ‘boots on the street.’ By doing so, we improve the outcome for all of us,” said Archer, who welcomed the first group.

     The classes will meet monthly at the Brevard County Government Complex, run for four hours, and are open only to certified and non-certified law enforcement personnel. Fledgling prosecutors and even some veterans who have been practicing in specialized areas are also attending the classes which are free.  

     While the classes are not open to the general public, they are designed to benefit exactly that group, Archer said.

     “This is an opportunity for both prosecutors and law enforcement to hone their skills. Together, by working smarter, we can offer our citizens a more protected community and that’s the bottom line for both groups,” Archer said.

     The topics to be covered in the coming year range from “Search and Seizure” to “Death Notification” and specific sessions on child abuse, DUI, and Juvenile crimes.  

     Archer said the idea for the series was an outgrowth of meetings he held with each of the county’s policing agencies after he took office earlier this year and the course work relates to specific requests from those agencies.