Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

FDLE's Services Consistent With Its Mission; Salaries Vary; and Staffing Levels Comparable to Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Report 06-19, February 2006




Report Summary

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement current activities conform to its mission. Since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the Legislature has expanded FDLE's scope of services to include domestic security and the Capitol Police. Investigations and forensic analyses compose the bulk of the agency's activities.
  • Although it is consistent with FDLE's mission, national research has concluded that the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program is ineffective. The Legislature should consider redirecting the program's $515,000 in state funds to other activities.
  • Compared to other law enforcement units within Florida, FDLE entry-level investigator salaries are higher, reflecting their greater experience level. Salaries of Capitol Police officers are in the low to mid-range, and FDLE leadership, regional director, and program director salaries are in the mid-range when compared to those of counterparts in other states. FDLE's span-of-control is comparable to that of other law enforcement units.


Related Reports
  1. The Legislature and the Department of Health Have Strengthened Public Health Preparedness
    Report 07-30 May 2007
  2. Program Evaluation & Justification Review Florida Department of Law Enforcement
    Report 97-76 June 1998
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
criminal justice, juvenile justice, crime, corrections, sexually violent predators, sex offenders, treatment, ryce act, martin, liberty, mentally ill, desoto, monitoring, evaluation, FDLE, crime, justice, investigations, law enforcement, police, span of control, forensic