In Miami, Police Union Head Tells Citizens, ‘Protect Yourselves’

U.S. Law Shield of Florida isn’t sure how to react to recent statements by John Rivera, president of the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association. Was he issuing a legitimate warning to citizens in the area, foretelling the future, or making a subtle threat? It’s hard to tell. Backstory:

The new Miami-Dade County budget would slice some 600 police department jobs. Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s $6.2 billion budget request for 2014-2015 has some $64 million in cuts to various areas of the department. The budget is set for discussion with the city council and would take effect Oct. 1.

In all, some 228 sworn positions and 57 civilian staff would be eliminated. A further 316 current vacancies would likewise not be filled.

In response to the budget cuts, Rivera told WSVN news, “If the mayor’s not going to provide security, then my recommendation, as an experienced law enforcement officer for nearly 40 years, is either buy yourself an attack dog, put bars on your windows and doors and get yourself some firearms because you’re going to have to protect yourselves.”

As of June 30, Florida has 1,281,073 concealed firearms permits issued to its residents, more than any other state in the country

Read more here.

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