Press Release
Fraternal Order of Police
Lodge 25


Jury Understands, Prosecutor Doesn't - The jury's verdict in Officer Edward Michael's trial

Orlando, FL -- June 25, 2007 -- The Fraternal Order of Police, which represents the men and women of the Orlando Police Department, is pleased but not surprised by the jury's verdict in Officer Edward Michael's trial of Not Guilty on all counts.

Officer Michael's innocence has been evident from the beginning; however, the State Attorney's Office chose to ignore the obvious and not to research how the injuries actually occurred to Mr. Goff. The evidence presented at trial, clearly demonstrated that Officer Michael's actions were necessary, reasonable and completely within departmental guidelines and training.

It is our sincere belief that had Officer Michaels not been a POLICE OFFICER no charges would have been brought. We as Police Officers simply ask, in fact, we demand to be treated with the same fairness and impartiality that the citizens we police are afforded. Our officers come to work with two intentions, to proactively protect our citizens and to respond to their calls for help or service.

The over zealous prosecution of police officers who are doing nothing more than their sworn duties must cease. The only way for police to effectively protect and serve a community is for the community to stand behind its police force. During the trial, the prosecutor used the following phrase repeatedly when referring to Police Officers, "With great power comes great responsibility." In fact, that philosophy would be an appropriate goal for the State Attorney's office to uphold.

The abuse of such power can lead to the same situation that occurred in the Duke University case. To unnecessarily prosecute officers who have not violated criminal laws undermines the effectiveness of our officer's and erodes the support of the community they serve.

For more information contact Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee Chairman Sam Hoffman at 407-832-1975 or Lodge President Jeff William's  at 407-832-1973.

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