State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Ft. Myers, and State Rep. Matt Caldwell, R- Ft. Myers have filed legislation that will give law enforcement officers and judges the tools necessary to keep repeat violent felony offenders off the streets.

“Florida’s families deserve to be protected from violent criminals,” said Benacquisto in a press release. “This legislation will arm law enforcement officers and judges with additional tools to help keep habitual violent offenders from repeating heinous crimes.”

“As we all continue to mourn the loss of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I am proud that Senator Benacquisto and I could carry this bill forward.” said Caldwell. “The ‘Officer Andrew Widman Act’ will provide a critical tool for protecting our communities and it is our hope that passage will make for fewer families who must grapple with the loss of a parent or spouse.”

Under current law, if a violent felon violates probation by getting arrested on a new offense, the violation of probation may not be taken into account when setting bond for the new arrest, and the repeat offender can be released on a minimal bond.

This loophole places criminals back on the streets where it is possible another crime may be committed, Caldwell said.

The Andrew Widman Act, Senate Bill 844 and House Bill 575, allows law enforcement officers to hold repeat felons behind bars until an expedited violation of probation can be issued by a judge prior to the criminal making his or her first appearance.

This legislation is named in honor of Andrew Widman, a Fort Myers Police officer who was murdered by Abel Arango, who was out on felony probation at the time of the murder. Arango had a history of violent offenses and was a current violator of his probation at the time of the murder, but he was released from jail due to a loophole. Between the times he bonded out and before he was arrested on the felony violation of probation warrant, he murdered Officer Andrew Widman on July 18, 2008.

“The murder of Andy was a violent, cowardly act against law enforcement,” said Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker. “His killer was on probation and arrested days before for a different crime but released on bond. We believe that in the event that you are a violent offender on probation and you re-offend, you should be remanded into custody. There is no way Andy could have known he was approaching a thug with a violent past, and lawmakers have an opportunity to prevent another tragedy. We thank Senator Benacquisto and Representative Caldwell for being dedicated to the safety of our officers and the community.”

“In the wake of losing law enforcement officers in both Miami and St. Petersburg, it is imperative that we make the streets safer for both Floridians and the police officers who protect us each and every day,” said Benacquisto.