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JSO to Review Undercover Policies

 Gary Detman     Created: 1/29/2007 7:43:13 PM    Updated: 1/30/2007 2:54:29 PM
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By Lindy Thackston First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- JSO is reviewing its policies on undercover drug operations in light of the latest fatal shooting.

Sheriff John Rutherford called Saturday's shooting of Isaac Singletary at his home a tragedy.

Rutherford referred to Singletary as an "honest citizen trying to do good."

But Sheriff Rutherford also said police officers have to protect themselves, as in the case of 18-year-old Doug Woods.

Narcotics officers shot Woods dead on January 20 at the Sable Palms Apartments.

Investigators said Woods tried to rob the undercover officers.

"We are still early in the investigation, but we now know, from witnesses, that this was a planned robbery attempt," said Rutherford.

The sheriff said authorities found gun residue on his gloves.

Rutherford hopes the shootings will not keep people from turning to the JSO for help.

"These incidents are "ground zero" for many of the murders that are taking place in our city," the sheriff said.

"Our narcotics officers are going to be there - making buys and making arrests."

"We will not turn our backs on the good citizens, the law abiding citizens, who live in these neighborhoods that are most adversely affected by the street level drug dealers and gun carrying thugs."

Governor Crist walked with Sheriff Rutherford and Mayor John Peyton through a neighborhood on the Northside Monday.

Crist is promising help.

"Getting things done means that you have to have as many people as possible to help us move the ball down the field and that's why we wanted to be in Jacksonville," said Governor Crist.

The Governor met Clifton Nesmith, and heard his story of being homeless, getting help from a pastor, and now, nearing his college graduation.

Nesmith says he appreciates the visitors, but worries the leaders aren't really seeing what's going on because of the police escorts, road blocks, and time of day.

"It's a quiet time of the day, you know, and there's nothing really going on, everybody's at work and it's not really getting the true picture of what's going on," said Nesmith.

The Governor says there are always challenges in fighting crime, and he believes no one has more integrity to handle the challenges than Sheriff Rutherford.

Related articles:

  • Elderly Man's Family Say His Death Was Preventable
  • Neighborhood Mistrust In Wake Of Police Shootings
  • Neighbors and Family Outcry Over Latest Police Shooting
  • Man Shot and Killed by Police In Narcotics Operation

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