On July 19 the Convention of States Jacksonville Team gathered in a local park to honor and support Florida’s local police force, particularly Zone 3 in House District 16. 
Convention of States members and other attendees were solidly enthusiastic about supporting the police, and the officers were very appreciative. All came away with a greater appreciation for the police officers who serve our community! 
District Captain Barbara Zimmerman led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a short invocation blessing on our nation, the COS movement, and the police of Zone 3. She briefly described the central mandates of COS Action: educating citizens, building relationships with legislators, advocating for or against key bills, and working to convene a Convention of States.
Barbara recounted events of the past five weeks: unchecked rioting, the false depiction of most police officers, as well as the 1,200+ assaults and multiple murders of officers. For these reasons and others, COS volunteers in Jacksonville felt compelled to publicly support our police.
Gary Dickinson provided some key facts about Zone 3:
- The State Department has recognized Jacksonville as a best practices center in policing.
- John Rutherford (a present Congressman and past Sheriff in Jacksonville) introduced “Sheriff’s Watch,” which has become a national model.
- The department sometimes works with federal agents and Homeland Security (for instance, on securing the upcoming GOP Convention) and also works internationally as necessary.
Gary introduced the main speaker, Zone 3 Commander and Assistant Chief Paul Restivo.
Asst. Chief Restivo attended Liberty University, served in the military, and became an officer in 1992. A native Floridian, he has two children--one in the military and one in college. Asst. Chief Restivo climbed the ranks, worked with narcotics squads and other units. (He also plays the bagpipes!)
Asst. Chief Restivo manages a staff of 200 officers. He detailed Jacksonville’s current crime landscape:
- Violent crimes are down compared to the last five years.
- There have been six murders this year, to date
- Traffic crimes and home burglaries are down 40 percent, each.
- Auto theft is up a bit, as people continue to leave keys in their cars or the motor running.
When asked about safety during the Republican Convention next month, he said there are
various perimeters being guarded, as well as a strong concentration of officers and federal agents, who will be present in uniform and in plain clothes.
Any force from troublemakers would be quickly met with law and order. He referred to the one night of rioting in Jacksonville, which was quickly quelled. Multiple locations police officers had covered to prevent additional problems.
Asst. Chief Restivo said that our consolidated governing structure (adopted in 1968), with a united Mayor and Sheriff, have brought the stability and strong support that police officers need in order to be effective. Attendees came away with a greater appreciation for the police officers who serve our community.
COS Florida's Grassroots Coordinator Brenda Karlin, her husband, and beautiful dog were able to join us, as well. Thank you, Brenda!
Here is your opportunity to be engaged with your local team.
