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FWC officer makes wrongful arrest…

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by YachtForums, Dec 26, 2024 at 4:24 PM.

  1. YachtForums, Dec 26, 2024 at 4:24 PM
    #1
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    An old friend just forwarded the video below because both of us were subject to harassment by a FMP officer about 30 years ago. I'll never forget his name... Jeff Desolits. I filed a complaint with the Florida Marine Patrol and they sent someone to take a deposition. Soon after, Desolits was re-assigned from his post in Broward County and sent to work in Dade County. I was surprised my complaint resulted in his departure but a couple months later I met someone who had also filed a complaint.

    This video brought back memories of the same. In this case, FWC officer Stiltner wrongfully arrests a father for being impaired yet there is absolutely no evidence of same. This whole thing makes my blood boil...

  2. motoryachtlover, Dec 26, 2024 at 5:12 PM
    #2
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    I think most Americans assume that LEOs operate strictly within the boundaries of the constitution and rely on them (LEOs) to tell us what the law is. A significant portion do not. I think LEO training since the Patriot Act has trained LEOs to walk the line and cross it when it comes to honoring their oath to defend the constitution and to view the average citizen as a threat. It is my understanding that one can refuse the insane hand to eye drunk tests. They are designed to be failed and the results are totally subjective. I am not anti policing but do feel that the pendulum has swung to far and we as citizens should be more knowledgeable about are rights and push to defend them when interacting with LEOs.
  3. Norseman, Dec 26, 2024 at 8:20 PM
    #3
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    I couldn’t finish watching the video.
    The boat operator seemed perfectly competent and composed, the LEO however seemed to be on a witch hunt.
    Heard several horror stories about the FWC but never been stopped or harassed after 30+ years as an owner/operator and another 5 as a crew member, neither Marine Police nor Marine Sheriff, nor USCG or anybody else, clean living I guess or just pure luck..
  4. Capt Ralph, Dec 27, 2024 at 11:25 AM
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Formally the Florida Conversation Patrol and Marine Fisheries Commission , I learned to avoid the Florida Marine Patrol (FMP) in the Jax area when I was young.
    Seemed their only job was to bust young people. If they could not find anything wrong, they would dig deeper till they found something,, anything.

    Thru the years; Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and finally the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has continued to uphold their historical work in raiding and harassing the innocent boaters of the area.
    I have spent a lot of years in the north east FL area and have witnessed nothing different,, ever.

    Then the Jax police found there was revenue on the water ways, so they got into the act of printing out tickets.
    These fools continue to be the largest hazard on the areas water themselves.

    Something in the local water?
    We have settled further up river for our retirement. 3 counties aweigh now in a fresh water environment.
    Down here, law enforcement seems to have a different attitude.
    Zero issues. They motor by, smile, wave AND keep going.

    Must be a salt water on/in the brain thing that effects these LEOs.