In the wake of recent talks about merging the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department, one City Commission candidate is voicing her opposition to such a measure.
Calling the possibility of consolidation “unacceptable,” Susan Bottcher, who is running for a city commission seat in District 3 in March, believes that such an act would undercut the relationship between the community and police.
“The ability to have direct influence over our policing is essential to the safety of our neighborhoods,” Bottcher said in a statement. “If consolidation were to occur our neighborhoods would suffer longer response times and a disconnect from their local police force.”
Eric Conrad, Bottcher’s campaign manager, said that Bottcher has met with Gainesville Police Chief Tony Jones and Jeff McAdams, the head of the Fraternal Order of Police, regarding the issue and is hopeful to meet with Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell.
Using Jacksonville as an example of a city that has undergone police consolidation, Conrad said a consolidated police force would not be a true representation of the local community.
“Susan knows the importance of the neighborhood having their own voice in fighting crime,” Conrad said. “People feel the need to have an open dialogue with their police.”
