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ACLU LETTER TO GOVERNOR BUSH RAISES CONCERNS OVER 'INTELLIGENCE'
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October 19, 2001
Citing great 'potential for misuse' in creating intelligence files on Floridians, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida today asked Gov. Jeb Bush to postpone the implementation of a statewide intelligence database to monitor 'domestic security.'
In a letter sent to Gov. Bush today, ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon outlined ACLU concerns with a provision of Executive Order #01-300, issued by Gov. Bush on Oct. 11, that states the "FDLE shall establish a dedicated Statewide Domestic Security Intelligence Database for use by all Florida law enforcement officers under appropriate security."
In his letter, Simon asks the Governor to postpone the implementation of such a database until the FDLE is directed to develop standards that ensure that only information about suspected criminal activity is entered into the database.
"America has seen the creation of intelligence files on ordinary citizens not for their involvement in suspected criminal activity, but for activities that are lawful and fully protected under both the United States and Florida Constitutions," wrote Simon. "When law enforcement databases and intelligence files include information on individuals because of their political beliefs or activities, or their association with dissident causes, core First Amendment values are implicated."
The ACLU also urged the Governor to refrain from creating exemptions to the Chapter 119 (Public Records Act) through executive order, and to instead seek authorization from the Florida Legislature, as required by the Florida Constitution, which would permit public debate.
"There is grave danger in governing by executive order," said Simon. "When the legislature is excluded from exercising its proper oversight responsibilities, and there is no opportunity for appropriate public input, democratic principles are jeopardized."
- Click here to read the full text of the two-page letter to Gov. Bush, copied to Senate President John McKay, House Speaker Tom Feeney and the FDLE Commissioner Tim Moore.
