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Local
St. Pete Police Chief Feels Body Cameras Come With Trust Issues
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway is co- chairman of a national body camera task force. He said nationally, the issue over body cameras is hot, and he doesn’t think their use will build a lot of trust with the community.
“I’m concerned about when to turn them on and when to turn them off. I’m also concerned that people
won’t talk to officers if they think they’re being recorded. Some things citizens tell po- lice are confidential.
“Nationally, each law en- forcement agency has a dif- ferent policy on the use of body cameras.”
Chief Holloway said body cameras will tell the true stories of incidents, but the question is when do they use that tool?
“I think people believe the body cameras are invasive, and I’m concerned about that
POLICE CHIEF ANTHONY HOLLOWAY
1% who believe their privacy may be invaded.
“In my opinion, in day-to- day contact, the body cam-
eras aren’t necessary. They would be better used during traffic stops, especially during late hours. Other uses would be discretionary.”
Chief Holloway said his department doesn’t have the body cameras, but within the next year, he thinks they will be ready to move forward.
“My question to the Task Force is when to turn them on and when to turn them off, and how do we deal with the invasion of privacy issues.
“I think there are advan-
tages and disadvantages that come along with body cam- eras and right now, the disad- vantages outweigh everything else.”
Chief Holloway said an- other aspect that needs to be discussed are potential legal issues stemming from law- suits filed by citizens.
“I think this task force that consists of a lot of law en- forcement and legal profes- sionals needs to develop guidelines before the body cameras are given to officers.”
Chamber Of Commerce Names 2016 Leadership Tampa Class
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, members of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the members of the 2016 Lead- ership Tampa Class. The Class is composed of busi- ness and professional people who hold leadership posi- tions within companies, or- ganizations, city, and county government.
The selectees are chosen through a rigorous and com- petitive process that results in 50 to 60 members being chosen.
The individuals chosen as members of the class have demonstrated a concern for community issues and have volunteered their time with service to the community. The Leadership Tampa years begins in September and will culminate in May. During the class’s tenure, members will meet two a month for briefings, seminars, and hands-on experience.
Topics of discuss includes healthcare, education, law enforcement, the environ- ment, economic develop- ment, government and other important community is- sues.
Five African Americans were chosen as members of the class.
They are: Ms. Felicia Harvey, Senior Director, Marketing & Communica- tions, Greater Tampa Cham- ber of Commerce; Ms. Kay Jefferson, Vice President of Operations, VoltAir Consult- ing Engineers, Inc.; Ms. Ocea Lattimore, Director of Logistics & Asset Manage- ment, City of Tampa; Ms. Dierdre K. White, Senior
CHIEF ERIC WARD
MS. FELICIA HARVEY
Vice President, General Counsel, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union; and Eric Ward, Chief of Police for the City of Tampa.
Ms. Harvey said, “I am excited about the opportu- nity to participate in this year’s Leadership Tampa class and connecting with business & community lead- ers in various industries dur- ing the nine-month program. I look forward to joining the ranks of the many outstanding community leaders that are graduates of Leadership Tampa, who are making their mark through- out our community.”
Ms. Lattimore said, “As a member of the 2016 Class of Leadership Tampa, by working collectively with other business leaders in the
MS. KAY JEFFERSON
MS. OCEA LATTIMORE
community, I hope to further develop and enhance my professional leadership skills and knowledge of service op- portunities to positively im- pact the City of Tampa.”
Chief Eric Ward said, “I am honored to be part of this upcoming Leadership Tampa class 2016. As Tampa’s new Chief of Police, this is an amazing opportu- nity for me to connect with other professionals in our community who are also working towards making the city a safe and top-notch des- tination.
“One of my focal points is expanding the department’s community outreach initia- tives. I believe the new rela- tionships I’ll make at Leadership Tampa will help me bring those plans to fruition.”
Firefighters Hospitalized After Apartment Fire
Two firefighters were injured battling this apartment fire Satur- day night.
Two Hillsborough County firefighters had to be hospital- ized after they were injured fighting a fire at a Tampa apartment complex Saturday night.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported that at 9 p.m., crews were called to Royal Oaks Apartments, 6433 San Marcos Court. When they ar- rived, they reported seeing flames coming from a window
in an apartment unit. Firefighters were able to
contain the fire to one unit, but two other units sustained smoke and water damage.
One firefighter received a minor burn and another suf- fered heat exhaustion. The were both transported to a local hospital are reported to be in good condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015