The arresting cops were right about Vernon’s employment status, reflecting the pervasive joblessness and poverty in Orlando’s Parramore District. Growing up in this historic African American neighborhood, Vernon had very little money, few positive role models, and faced limited opportunities for the future. Residents like Vernon found few ways to escape this crime-filled area.
I drove through Parramore recently, and the grim conditions highlighted the plight of the residents. I saw dilapidated homes, rotted fences, bars on windows, and humble cinder block dwellings painted in a mix of faded pastels. The neighborhood’s struggles often led to encounters with the police, and Vernon, at 48, faced continued clashes with Officer Winston. Despite his best efforts, his past, neighborhood, and ongoing conflict with Officer Winston kept him down in life.
Officer Winston’s Disturbing Record
In response to Officer Winston’s twisted dynamic with Vernon, I filed as Vernon’s attorney, investigating the latest arrest and demanding Brady Material, which is evidence favorable to the defendant or may be damaging to the prosecution’s witnesses. What was revealed was not entirely a surprise but was shocking nonetheless.
The revelation included the officer’s reprimands for improper body cam use and violating police procedure. I also obtained Internal Affairs reports, exposing a history of such misconduct during encounters with black civilians. In one case, he gave chase to a suspect, not authorized by the Orlando Police Department and OPD policy. The suspect was found to be bloody and beaten.
While beating back weak cases against Vernon, I found frustration with the state attorney’s lack of support. The disconnect between the police and the community, particularly in Parramore, revealed itself in videos of Vernon’s unwarranted arrests.
Around the same time as Vernon’s multiple arrests, Officer Winston received praise from the Chief of Police because he made so many arrests. In my opinion, his arrests were not deserving of accolades, as they appeared racially motivated and often based on fabrications. The misuse of power and racially motivated actions deepen the divide when the cops operate on the concept of “Might Makes Right.”
Accountability Matters
While the case was pending against Vernon for the aggravated assault on a police officer, I received a call from Vernon. He said to turn on the TV news as Officer Winston was publicly reprimanded for misuse of his body cam. The news reported that some officers turned off their body cams after an illegal pursuit, and once again, a suspect was injured. Ironically, Officer Winston was being admonished on television news by the same Chief of Police who previously commended him. Vernon’s pending case for aggravated assault on a police officer took a favorable turn when news broke of Officer Winston’s public reprimand for body cam misuse.
This narrative highlights the importance of holding law enforcement accountable while acknowledging the majority of officers who carry out their duties with integrity. Just as everyday citizens are accountable for following our laws, our police should also follow our laws. The bad apples sour the reputation of the police forces in much the same way as greedy, dishonest, or lazy lawyers diminish the reputation of the legal community.