Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 12-19-17

Features
How Stupid Can We Be
State Attorney Takes Guns Out Of Domestic Cases
BY SAMUEL KINSEY
Throughout the ages, we Americans have demon- strated that we are pretty smart. We don’t have wings, but we manufactured extraor- dinary flying machines that fly us to faraway places, even to the moon, and we built powerful locomotives and passenger trains that travel so fast that they are almost a blur.
We built massive cruise ships, with all the amenities of a top notch hotel, to trans- port people to some of the world’s finest vacation spots; we constructed gigantic cargo ships that deliver goods and services to distant ports and we constructed bridges that span vast bodies of water.
We created the internet, smart cars, phones, comput- ers, robots and other forms of technology that can operate even without people and in many cases, have replaced people in the work force. We conquered the wild beast; we tamed the high spirited horse and we used his magnificent power for work, sport and fun-filled rides.
We turned the hot and arid desert into a beautiful oasis and we converted swamps into Gardens of Eden. We transformed waste lands into cities and towns with beautiful homes and mind boggling landscapes; we erected tall buildings that rise majestically into the beautiful blue sky and we turned bar- ren land into farms that pro- duce enough crops to feed the masses.
In the field of medicine, we found cures for some dis- eases that were once terminal
and we have made great strides in finding cures for others. We learned how to transfuse blood, separate twins who were joined at the hip, the head, the abdomen or other parts of the body, and we learned how to success- fully transplant organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kid- neys, eyes and even the face from one human to another.
Yet, in spite of all of this knowledge, sometimes our stupidity comes through loudly and clearly and it is most often obvious to every- one but us. We spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need, trying to impress people we don’t like or who don’t like us.
We choose people as role models for ourselves and our children, not because of their strong moral character, but because of their ability to throw, catch or run with a football or to dribble or shoot a basketball. Or perhaps it is because they are masters of the big screen, Hollywood movers and shakers, darlings of the runway or popular song and dance stars. And, we spend tons of money buying various products just because these people tell us to.
Even when we know that our offspring are completely void of any athletic talent, we buy them expensive footwear endorsed by our most ad- mired ‘role models’ because they have convinced us that these products will turn our hopeful youngsters into ath- letic phenomes.
Finally, we elected a jack- ass to the highest office in the land and we actually expect him to govern. How stupid can we be? Just another view.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Hillsborough County State
Attorney Andrew Warren
announced plans to remove guns from domestic violence cases. His decision is based partly on the number of do- mestic violence related mur- ders.
Attorney Warren said, “Domestic violence is a seri- ous problem, and guns in the hands of domestic abusers are a deadly combination. The time has arrived to take seri- ous action about domestic vio- lence and guns. We can do more, we need to do more, and here in Hillsborough County, we will do more.”
His plan is to change the manner in which domestic vi- olence calls are answered by police. Attorney Rena Fra- zier, Public Information Offi- cer for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office explained the process.
ANDREW WARREN Hillsborough County State Attorney
“When an officer responds to a domestic violence call, they will ask the victim if the defendant has a gun or has ac- cess to a gun. If the defendant has a gun or access to one, he or she will be required to re- linquish the weapon pending the outcome of the case. After it is resolved, then he or she can file a motion with the Courts to have the weapon re- turned.”
When an individual is ar- rested on domestic violence charges, there is no automatic bond. Once that person goes
before a judge, he or she must surrender any firearms while released on bond, during the period prior to the trial, pro- bation, or entrance into a di- version program. Once the court requirements have been satisfied, the person can file a motion with the court for the return of the weapon.
However, if the person is convicted of a felony, then he or she cannot legally possess a firearm and the weapon will not be returned.
According to statistics, more than half of the domes- tic violence homicides were caused by a firearm. In Hills- borough County, police re- spond to a domestic violence call every 79 minutes. Be- tween 2012 and 2016, 61 peo- ple died as a result of domestic violence.
Attorney Warren feels this will help to remove some firearms from domestic vio- lence situations and help keep victims safer.
Police Chief Makes Three Key Promotions
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last week, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan made three promotions. The promo- tions will fill three key posi- tions at the department.
“These promotions are well deserved and provide the department with stability and talent in key leadership posi- tions. They were difficult deci- sions because we have an abundance of talented and dedicated leaders in this de- partment,” Chief Dugan said.
Assistant Chief Marc Hamlin will now serve as the senior officer in Investiga- tions, Support Services and Special Operations. He is fill- ing the vacancy created when Chief Dugan became Chief of Police.
Major Elias “Eli” Vazquez has been promoted to fill the position of Assistant Chief of Operations. Assistant Chief Hamlin previously held that position.
A former member of the U. S. Marines, Assistant Chief Vazquez launched his career with the department in 1994. Since March 2016, he has served as the Major in Uni- form District 1.
In 1998, Ruben “Butch” Delgado launched his career with the department. He was
ELIAS “ELI” VAZQUEZ ... Assistant Chief
recently promoted to the rank of Major and will work in Uni- form District 1.
Major Delgado recently played a key role in the inves- tigation of the Seminole Heights murders as a member of the Major Crimes Bureau. Major Delgado will oversee the operations of District 1 that includes West Tampa.
Chief Dugan also pro- moted Ruth Cate to the posi- tion of Captain. She will serve
RUBEN DELGADO ... Major
in District 1 as well. Captain Cate is a 21-year veteran with the department.
Some lateral moves will also take place. Captain Mike Hutner will head the Major Crimes Unit, replacing Major Delgado. Captain Calvin Johnson will replace Captain Hutner in Uniform District 2. The new captain in District 3, replacing Captain Johnson, is Captain Mike Stout.
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017