by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
An ordinance taking effect this fall articulates the standards and practices of Jacksonville’s taxicab services, but further discussion regarding more stringent criminal background checks for drivers remains on the table.
According to City Council president Jerry Holland, the recent charges brought against alleged serial killer Paul Durousseau provided the impetus behind the on-again talks.
“It definitely prompted a closer look at the background check process in place right now,” said Holland. “You have to wonder, if a more in-depth scan had been performed, would he have been hired?“
In the past, background checks focusing on a national level had been part of the norm in Jacksonville. But in recent years, the scope had narrowed substantially to only look for violent crime convictions from within the state.
“I’m not sure why we stopped performing national checks,” said Holland. “It might have been a time constraint issue, but whatever the reason we’d like to find out. It might be something we’ll go back to if we feel it’s necessary.”
Further discussion has taken place regarding whether or not pending cases and acquittals will be considered as red flags during future driver reviews.
Audrey Moran, Mayor John Delaney’s chief of staff, said the cost for more in-depth checks could either be taken out of the City budget or the pocket of the applicant.
In addition to statewide criminal reports, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office performs countywide checks for drivers-for-hire prior to issuing temporary permits.
“We’re not required to do it, but it’s been the policy of the current administration,” said Holland.
Chris Lamb, president and CEO of CitiCab, a locally-owned taxi company, said he supports City efforts to screen drivers in the area though it might be possible Durousseau’s case has been overly scrutinized, creating an usually high level of public concern.
“It really could have been anybody,” said Lamb, who was also a driver for eight years. “It could have been someone who just went nuts one day. I would honestly say if someone chooses to ride with a driver who has a permit, they should feel safe. You don’t want to focus on something like this too much because, fortunately, it very rarely ever happens.”
Moran agreed.
“Whenever something horrific and tragic like this takes place, the responsible thing to do is to look back and see what you can do to keep it from happening again,” she said. “Public safety is — and should be — a concern. Having said that, you also want to make sure you don’t overreact. Luckily, the Durousseau situation was an unusual one, and that’s important to remember.”
Whether or not a more stringent criminal background check process will ever be installed — it will remain a legislative issue — Moran and Holland insist they want to make sure they are doing all they can do from the City’s perspective.
“You may never reach a level where you feel 100 percent safe and comfortable with a driver,” said Holland. “But you do want to be very cautious when you’re having a one-on-one relationship with a driver picking you up at your house.”
Holland added any further review of the permitting process “will not be on [his] watch” as his presidential term expires at the end of this month. Council President-elect Lad Daniels retains the option to study the process.