Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, was quoted in “Free Speech, Accountability Experts Question Court Ruling That Shields Cops’ Names After Some Shootings” published in the Orlando Sentinel on April 9.

The editorial focuses on a Florida court ruling on a provision of a state constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law that hides from public view the identities of law enforcement officers who kill civilians.

According to LoMonte, “Under Florida’s broad version of Marsy’s Law, [Derek] Chauvin, who is currently facing trial, could claim he was a crime victim and have his identity concealed until he was charged in Floyd’s death.”

“Only by knowing Derek Chauvin’s name was the press and public able to research his record and find out that he had over a dozen other misconduct complaints on his record before George Floyd,” LoMonte said. “Without knowing those names, we can’t research the history of the officers involved in high-profile uses of force.”

Posted: April 13, 2021
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Frank LoMonte