A Florida appeals court has issued a groundbreaking ruling allowing citizens to secretly record law enforcement officers conducting official duties due to their lack of privacy expectations. The case involved a citizen accusing the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office of misconduct. The court overturned five felony wiretapping convictions against Michael Leroy Waite, emphasizing the public’s ability to hold police officers accountable. The decision coincided with new laws signed by Governor DeSantis affecting law enforcement in Florida. Waite was sentenced to probation for battery and resisting arrest but was unsatisfied with the court’s silence on potential sheriff misconduct. Ultimately, the case aims to promote public oversight of law enforcement actions.
https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/phone-conversations-with-law-enforcement-can-be-recorded-without-their-consent-court-says-36640808