In anticipation of planned protests throughout Jacksonville and the nation, Sheriff T.K. Waters issued a statement on social media firm on maintaining peace and order, emphasizing the importance of lawful and peaceable demonstrations, “Jacksonville, your safety and security are our top priorities,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office started, making it clear that while the right to protest is protected, the sheriff’s office has been closely monitoring potential protest plans and is prepared to act if laws are broken.
“We ask Jacksonville residents to obey the laws and demonstrate peacefully,” said Waters, whose statement was made public on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, warning citizens against stepping into roadways, blocking traffic, or engaging in any form of violent behavior, officers are prepared to manage the situation and to ensure that the events across the city proceed without incident, allowing for the peaceful expression of views.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office post outlined specific behaviors that will not be tolerated, including the destruction of property, harming others, and throwing projectiles; it also assured that law enforcement officers will be out in numbers to ensure public safety, “Do not step into the roadway, block traffic, throw projectiles, destroy property, or harm anyone,” the statement reads, stressing that officers will act to safeguard every resident, though the post ended with a cordial wish for a safe weekend for all…