PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida - The same day 10Investigates broadcast another story about the state's failure to properly fund and outfit probation officers, an unarmed female officer conducting an early-morning community visit was met at a felon's home by an armed and unhappy family member, according to an incident report.
A year-long 10Investigates series has exposed how little Florida probation officers get paid to supervise felons living in the community, as well as the often-poor resources they're given to do their jobs. If officers wish to carry a firearm while checking on high-risk felons, they must purchase it themselves, which many officers say is unaffordable for new hires.
Wednesday's incident in a Pinellas Park neighborhood occurred when a new officer went to a felon's home for a routine address verification. The officer reported that the felon's stepfather answered the door with a black gun pointed at the ground.
The man returned inside, while the offender reportedly apologized to the officer. Pinellas Park Police later responded to incident, but said there was nothing they could do since the man brandished the weapon legally inside his own home.
A probation supervisor indicated in the incident report the officer's "safety concerns and future case management" of this particular offender will be discussed and reviewed.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE (some links may not display properly on mobile)
3/23/15 - Probation officers blow whistle on dangerous lapses in supervision
3/24/15 - Lawmakers promise swift action on felony probation problems
3/25/15 - DOC, Governor respond to 10 Investigates findings
3/26/15 - Powerful politician pitches major probation overhaul
3/30/15 - DOC skirts law, risks safety on probation caseloads
4/7/15 - Fixes not quick for Florida's probation problems
4/8/15 - Probation officers rally after 10 News stories
4/9/15 - Probation training funds not dedicated to training
6/3/15 - Entering special session, dangerous lapses still exist
6/19/15 - Some help finally coming for probation
10/27/15 - Is governor addressing tax cuts before DOC budget woes?
10/29/15 - Lawmakers call on governor to pay DOC employees
3/9/16 - Florida freezes state workers out of record budget again
4/20/16 - Gov. Scott responds to another year of probation problems?
4/21/16 - Maybe THIS will get Tallahassee's attention?
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