The Florence Police Department

When both natives and visitors critique Florence, they invariably mention problems at the Florence Police Department. Obviously many who have harsh words for the law enforcement officers have been caught in compromising situations and cannot provide an unbiased view; however, this is not always the case.

Sources in the department itself frequently complain of absent deputy chiefs, and those working with the municipal court system relate tales of the low morale within the department. These problems are long standing and will in all likelihood not be remedied by any quick fixes.

However, the problems reported by many area drivers can be easily corrected. Almost universally, those citizens pulled over for routine traffic stops report rude or other inappropriate behavior from Florence officers. No driver should have to ask three times why he or she has been stopped, and no citizen should be subjected to the remark, "You aren't from around here, are you?"

Chief Rick Singleton can easily attend to this situation. A few classes in simple correct protocol and good manners will go a long way.


What's up with this: It's been reported that the Franklin County Drug Task Force raided a home in Russellville last night and held a gun to the head of a nineteen year-old quadriplegic. They must really feel good about themselves.