Orange and Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala has introduced a diversion program for people charged with resisting arrest without violence. Ayala said the program will allow her office to focus on prosecuting more serious crimes.
Citing nationwide protests against police violence and systemic racism, Ayala said protesters are being arrested to get them off the streets. She says communities of color are affected more than others.
“We have consistently heard that some members of law enforcement, they use this charge as a weapon when people don’t immediately respond to their commands. Or if they ask too many questions before complying. Or simply if they make an encounter more difficult for the officer,” said Ayala.
She said standalone resisting without violence cases in Orange County disproportionately involve people who are Black or African American.
"Right here in Orange County, over the past year alone, Blacks or African Americans have made up nearly 63% of all standalone resisting cases, even though they only make up 22% of the population," said Ayala.
"Standalone cases are those in which there is no other criminal activity present," said Ayala.
Penalties for resisting arrest without violence can include fines up to one thousand dollars and up to one year in jail.
The diversion program includes watching a video about the law and the danger of resisting lawful commands. On completion of the course, the resisting arrest without violence charge will be dropped.
“We will keep our efforts and resources focused on prosecuting serious offenses that threaten public safety, not making the lives of regular people even more difficult by encumbering them with additional emotional trauma, financial stress and other matters that come along with it," said Ayala.
Ayala said she sent a letter to law enforcement agencies yesterday advising them of the diversion program.
"I was surprised to be informed of this policy change through the media," said Orange County Sheriff John Mina in a statement to WMFE.
Orlando police chief Orlando Rolón said his department was reviewing the policy after receiving it Tuesday morning.
"We will continue to work with the SAO in our shared mission to ensure the safety of everyone in this community and for just accountability when laws are violated," said Rolón.
Asked about the potential impact of Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed legislation to stiffen penalties for people who engage in violence during a protest, Ayala said her focus was more on "protecting a person's first amendment rights, protecting the right to protest, protecting the right to hold public officials accountable."
"We'll see if it gets passed, and if there's any problems with it. What I can tell you is that right now that law is not effective, however this diversion program is."