Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison to the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
The commission is responsible for establishing standards for law enforcement agencies, maintaining training programs and certifying officers who complete a Florida basic recruit training program. It also oversees compliance with state statutes and holds quarterly meetings to establish policy and review cases involving misconduct or violations of professional standards.
Garrison, a third-generation law enforcement officer, has served as the North Port Police Chief since 2018 and has worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years.
He currently serves as the District 1 director for the Florida Police Chiefs Association, vice chair of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Region 10 Training Council and is a member of the FBI National Academy of Florida board of directors.
“This is a significant accomplishment, and we could not be more proud,” said City Manager Jerome Fletcher. “Chief Garrison’s leadership, dedication and integrity make him an outstanding choice for this role. He is truly deserving of this appointment.”
The commission is composed of 19 members, including the Secretary of Corrections, Attorney General, Director of the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol and 16 members appointed by the governor. This includes three sheriffs, three chiefs of police, five law enforcement officers who are of the rank of sergeant or below within the employing agency and two correctional officers.
Garrison was appointed alongside Tampa Police Officer Brandon Barclay, Escambia Sgt. Chase Horne, Miami-Dade Sgt. Steadman Stahl, Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.
“Chief Garrison’s appointment is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to the profession and the community he serves,” Fletcher said. “We are truly lucky to have him as a leader in our community.”
Melissa Pérez-Carrillo covers breaking news and public safety for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Reach out at mperezcarrillo@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Gov. DeSantis appoints North Port Police Chief to Florida Criminal Justice Commission
Reporting by Melissa Pérez-Carrillo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
