TALLAHASSEE -- A sheriff from the Tampa Bay area and a Miami police oversight panel may challenge a ruling that could keep secret the names of officers who use deadly force.
A three judge panel at the 1st District Appeals Court ruled last month that two Tallahassee police officers can claim a right to privacy as crime victims under Marsy's Law, because they were threatened with a deadly weapon before using force.
Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and the Miami Civilian Investigative Panel plan to file briefs of their own against the decision, when the case goes to the State Supreme Court. Opponents of the ruling say it could undermine sunshine laws and efforts by the community to hold police accountable through public records.
Information from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.
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