Kevin Beary

Kevin Beary is the Sheriff of Orange County, Florida, United States, and as such is the elected top official of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, one of the largest law enforcement bodies in the Southeastern United States.

Biography

First elected in 1992 as a Republican, he is serving his fourth term. After election of his fourth term as a Republican he changed party affiliation to Independent. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Liberty University and a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. He is the son of former Winter Park, Florida, Police Chief Ray Beary, and the brother of former Lake Mary, Florida, Police Chief Richard Beary. Richard Beary is now the Chief of Police at the University of Central Florida.

Awards

Sheriff Beary has received numerous awards for his dedicated service to his community and profession. In June 2003, he was named Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriffs' Association. In 2002 he received the Professional Achievement Award from the University of Central Florida. In 2001 he was honored with the Hispanic Community Award and in 2000 received the Police Athletic League Award. He is also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Central Florida chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1996 he was recognized by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers and the National Rifle Association chose him as their Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Appointments

Sheriff Beary was appointed by (former) Governor Jeb Bush to co-chair the Florida Domestic Security Task Force (Region V) on terrorism. He has also been asked to serve on the FBI's Executive Advisory Team for Homeland Security. Sheriff Beary is past president of the Major County Sheriff's Association, Central Florida Criminal Justice Association and the Florida SWAT Association. He currently serves on the D.A.R.E. America Operations Advisory Committee and is past chairman of the National Police Board of G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training). Sheriff Beary has been selected by the American Society for Industrial Security as a member of the Society's International Standing Council on Global Terrorism.

Controversy

In 2005, Beary was the subject of accusations of corruption by a local television news station, which resulted in an audit of homeland security spending by his department. [cite news | url=http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/1/31/sheriff_kevin_beary_may_have_violated_ethics_codes.html | title=Sheriff Kevin Beary May Have Violated Ethics Codes |publisher=CFNews13 | date=February 01, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-02-02] Beary was later cleared of any wrongdoing by a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. [cite news | url=http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/apnews/stories/101505/D8D8H2SGA.shtml | title=Florida AP News Story Beary cleared |Publisher=AP | date=October 15, 2005 | first= | last= | accessdate=2007-03-24] On April 20, 2007 the Florida Ethics Commission found probable cause to believe that Beary violated Florida Ethics laws as a result of his involvement in his homeland security business and filed four counts against him. Beary is being prosecuted by the Florida Attorney General's Office and faces trial on October 24, 2007 before a State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings Judge on Case # 07-001820EC. Beary could face penalties up to removal from office. http://www.doah.state.fl.us/internet/search/detail.cfm?CaseNo=07-001820&URLString=0

References

External links

* [http://www.ocso.com/ Orange County Sheriff's Office]
* [http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/ethics/press_releases/Jan07.pdf February 2007 Ethics report] notes "Beary may have violated the code of ethics"