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Adults who commit certain low-level misdemeanor offenses can be issued a civil citation instead of being arrested under a new 90-day pilot program announced Thursday by Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell.
“This program will serve as a mechanism to ensure that individuals are incarcerated only when absolutely necessary to ensure public safety,” the region’s top prosecutor said at a press conference.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the adult civil citation program was one of 20 recommendations made by the county’s citizen safety task force, which included members from the state attorney’s office, public defender’s office and local law enforcement agencies.
“This is the right thing to do,” he said. “… These types of programs provide individuals with a second chance while holding them accountable.”
