Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to offer police officers who refuse the coronavirus vaccine $5,000 to relocate to Florida, promising that “we will treat you better” than forces across the country that are threatening layoffs for those who refuse the vaccine.
According to Fraternal Order of Police data, several police officers refuse the Covid-19 vaccines, which have now been administered to approximately 75% of American adults. In some cities, officers have chosen to remain unvaccinated despite orders to comply with vaccine requirements as a condition of continued employment.
Gov. Ron DeSantis hopes to sign legislation offering $5,000 bonuses to out-of-state police who move to Florida:
"NYPD, Minneapolis, Seattle, if you're not being treated well, we'll treat you better here, you can fill important needs for us and we'll compensate you as a result." pic.twitter.com/Y7c7ZhA3ma
— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) October 24, 2021
According to CPD Superintendent David Brown, 21 officers in Chicago have been placed on “no-pay status” for refusing to say whether they have received a Covid vaccine. Last week, Brown told reporters that more than 67 percent of officers had complied with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s directive to all city employees, which requires them to report their vaccination status.
Mr. DeSantis said on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo that Florida would welcome police officers who were fired for failing to comply with vaccine mandates. He also stated that the state would provide a $5,000 bonus to any police officer who relocates to Florida.
“In Florida, not only are we going to want to protect the law enforcement and all the jobs, we’re actually actively working to recruit out of state law enforcement because we do have needs in our police and our sheriff’s departments,” he said.
He urged police officers across the country to quit their jobs and relocate to Florida if they are not allowed to remain unvaccinated in defiance of orders.
DeSantis told police officers in New York, Minneapolis, and Seattle, “If you’re not being treated well, we will treat you better here.” You can fill important needs for us, and we will compensate you as a result.”
He also stated that he would call a special session of the state legislature to oppose vaccine mandates imposed by federal and local governments.
