Orange, Osceola state attorney to independently investigate ‘officer-involved critical incidents’

Orange, Osceola State Attorney to independently investigate ‘officer-involved critical incidents’

By James Tutten

ORLANDO, Fla. — The office of State Attorney Monique H. Worrell announced it will conduct independent investigations for all “officer-involved critical incidents” in Orange and Osceola counties.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will also continue to investigate instances like officer-involved shootings.

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Officials said the state attorney’s office will conduct an independent investigation alongside FDLE in all future cases.

The office also confirmed the ongoing investigation into the deputy-involved shooting death of Salaythis Melvin outside of the Florida Mall last August.

Watch: Deputy who shot, killed Salaythis Melvin outside Florida Mall one of hundreds of Orange County deputies without body cameras

Officials with the state attorney’s office released a statement saying, “Upon assuming office on January 5, 2021, State Attorney Monique H. Worrell initiated the process of developing a series of policies for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The Officer-Involved Critical Incident policy has been created and subsequently shared with law enforcement officials in the Circuit.”

Watch: ‘It’s clear that he was running’: Bodycam video shows the moment a man was fatally shot by a deputy at the Florida Mall

“Investigations of officer-involved critical incidents must be objectively examined. Utilizing an agency not affiliated with the incident will reassure the public that the investigation was conducted without bias or direct connection to the officer(s) involved,” officials said.