In a recently televised statement played and replayed on a couple of different television networks in the Daytona Beach area, Volusia County Elected Sheriff, Ben Johnson, recently revealed that he believed he had driven his vehicle after drinking alcohol. “We will take his word for it as he would certainly know,” stated MADD Florida Executive Director, Donald Murray. “This is a disturbing comment about disturbing behavior…particularly coming from the head of the local law enforcement agency.” In all fairness, the sheriff did not admit to driving while drunk…just drinking.
MADD holds all to the same standard when it comes to driving while impaired and the standard, in this case, is also the law.
“I have had concerns about DUI enforcement in Volusia County for some time,” stated MADD Florida Executive Director, Don Murray. “The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office does not participate in DUI checkpoints like most other counties in the state and they appear to have taken a very loose approach to enforcement of DUI laws in general,” continued Murray. “To have the elected Sheriff publicly state that he has engaged in behavior that may have compromised the safety of the citizens of his community and possibly violated the law is a clear indicator of a problem.”
“This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable for anyone but is especially disturbing from someone who is supposed to enforce these laws. We are deeply disturbed and trust that the Sheriff will adjust his behavior and also trust that law enforcement officers in Volusia County will continue to enforce all DUI laws without regard to the individual behind the wheel,” Murray said.
Contacts:
Donald Murray, Florida State Executive Director,
813-935-2676
Office, 813-458-1015 Cell
