Dear Members and Advocates,
Take a minute to look back on the pandemic period of 2020. As the world was encouraging individuals to take every conceivable precaution to protect themselves and others from spreading the Coronavirus, those concerns did not apply to people required to register.
In the middle of a pandemic, the Florida Governor still required people on the registry to show up, in person, to Sheriff’s offices and jails to report temporary address changes, vehicle changes and other pettiness because Florida Statutes required IN PERSON registration. The only way the In-Person requirement was going to change was by one of three options: (a) by a change in the law, (b) by a Judge’s order, or (c) by an executive order signed by the Governor.
Given that the 2020 legislative session was over, and that there was no time for legal action, our most hopeful option is an executive order. FAC reached out to the Governor’s office and to civil rights organizations (such as the ACLU and Florida Justice Institute) for help, and we even solicited (through these other organizations) support from the FDLE and the Sheriff’s Association in our request. While NO executive order was signed, and despite the fact that neither FDLE nor the Sheriffs had the authority to make changes, we saw that, one by one, Registration offices began to modify their procedures due to reduced staff, limited hours of operation or other related factors. Registrations were being handled by phone, or through the use of video calls. Paperwork for registration confirmations was emailed or mailed to registrants instead of printed. Some offices maintained these new procedures long after the “stay-at-home” mandates were lifted.
If this worked then, why can’t it be an option today as well? Why can’t there be more opportunity to report registrations requirements online or by phone? Consider the convenience, the cost savings, and the timeliness of the online/phone vs in-person attendance for both the registrants and the office staffs.
In 2018, there was an in-person reporting challenge (Matthew 25 Ministries vs Swearington) that did not prevail. But that was before the pandemic and the mounds of proof that registration requirements can be successfully completed online and/or by phone. This may be the time to initiate a new IN-PERSON challenge using the experience and evidence resulting from the pandemic period.
On the last Monthly Membership call, Thursday August 3, we discussed the FDLE Cyber Communications System (CSS) and specifically what can and cannot be reported online today. You can download the CCS Instructions here.
We also discussed a survey that will be launched later this month to collect information regarding the frequency and experience of your in-person reporting, and how registration was handled in your county during the pandemic period. Input from our members is what drives this organization. Let your voice be heard on the Monthly Membership call and at a local Meet and Greet.
With Unity Comes Change.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee (FAC)
ANNOUCEMENTS
Monthly Membership Call – Thu Aug 3 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. Topic: FDLE Cyber Communications System. If you have any problem connecting to the call for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
New Member Orientation Call – Thu Aug 10 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. NO Agenda. Call in to learn more about the organization, volunteer opportunities, where to find support, get resources and referrals, or just share information. If you have any problem connecting for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
Family Support Group – Sat Aug 12 from 11am-1pm. By Invitation only for non-registered family members with loved ones on the Registry. Must be an FAC member. To participate, contact [email protected] or call 833-273-7325, Option 1.
Women’s Group for WFR [Women Forced to Register]. For details and information, contact Danell at [email protected] or leave message at 772-494-1947.
Monday Night Support Group – Open to registered citizens and family members, every Monday at 8pmET. Call 760-548-9898 to participate in a group support call facilitated by FAC Regional Coordinators. Find comfort, motivation and encouragement with other members in this no-judgement zone as they share common concerns and interests.
MEET and GREETS
There is strength in numbers so make yourself count! Get involved and join us at a local meet and greet.
Sat Aug 5-Clearwater – 1-3pm -RSVP to Barbara at [email protected] or call 217-218-2749.
Sat Aug 12-Citrus County-2-5pm RSVP to [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325 Option 1.
Sat Aug 19-Highlands County- 11am-2pm RSVP to Morris at [email protected] or leave message at 863-256-3026
Sat Sep 2- Broward County- 2pm-4pm RSVP to [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
Sat Sep 9- Sarasota/Manatee County- 1pm-4pm RSVP to [email protected] or call 941-500-4706
Sat Sep 23- Lee County- noon-3pm – RSVP to [email protected] or text/call 941-677-3951
Sat Sep 30- Pasco County- 2pm-5pm – RSVP to [email protected] or call/text 727-999-4716
Support Staff Needed- If you have some time and want to be more involved, email [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
Staff Writers are needed for articles, posts and Weekly Updates. If you have a story, article or topic of interest to share, please submit it to [email protected]
Membership Communications – Return phone calls and emails from members seeking information. Training provided.
PenPal Communications – Respond to letters from inmates seeking information and support. Training provided.
With Unity Comes Change -Get Involved and Volunteer Today!
www.floridaactioncommittee.org
[email protected]
Seems like authorities want to save face in unjust ways. During this covid scare or whatever you want to call it. I was still ordered to come in to talk to the probation officer here in VA. At times I did not wear a mask course I was kicked out of Class for spreading the gospel or they didn’t like the ethics in many ways .
Well the lady teaching the course didn’t want me in the class – that’s all I know as the meeting with the probation officer was sort of vague but it was all over Christian ethics and values among some of the group. Guess she or authorities didn’t like that Christian talk.
One even wonders why they would want someone to update one’s picture after finishing probation classes call it vanity. Course nothing seems to surpass LE in all states but its the principal of the whole issue that makes the one on the sex offender registry leery of much of this unorthodox operation.
Of course ending all of this sex registry scheme would be a plus in all states. Go for it Florida as a victory in Florida would be very good for all.
Reminder*****
An in-person challenge could be successful, but our goal is no registry at all. If they allow over the internet reporting, then they can justify that they made a concession, and no need to end the registration process.
Also, how would they get an updated photo of us. They take one of me every 90 days even though my appearance has not changed in 2 decades. I am going to start showing up in a dress and a Minnie Pearl wig. (Yes, I have in fact lost my mind a long time ago)