Members and guests of JAX Chamber’s Downtown Council gained some knowledge of crime prevention Friday when Assistant State Attorney John Guy shared insights he has gained in almost 19 years as a prosecutor in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.
During that time, Guy has gone from prosecuting DUI cases to handling some of the more serious crimes that can be committed. He’s a director of the State Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
“We handle cases where bullet meets flesh,” said Guy.
He cited the law enforcement philosophy of State Attorney Angela Corey as a key factor in reducing the incidence of violent crime in the county. While the philosophy of the previous administration was based on rehabilitation, Guy said, Corey’s mindset is that there are plenty of people who work in rehabilitation and crime prevention.
“When they get to us, it’s our job to prosecute them and protect you,” he told the group.
Guy said prosecution is more aggressive and that in 2011, 593 people who were convicted of the most serious crimes were sentenced to 10 years or more in state prison. He said in 2008, 136 homicides were committed in the Fourth Judicial Circuit but by 2010, the number had declined to 86.
“The reason there is less homicide is that there are fewer people on the street who are inclined to commit homicide,” Guy said.
Guy recognized the work of police officers who apprehend the suspects he and his colleagues prosecute.
“There has been a lot in the news about police officers’ salaries and benefits. If you don’t appreciate what police officers do, go on a ride-along,” he said.
“Don’t go in the day and don’t go in Mandarin. Go at night and on the Westside or on Moncrief Road. You’ll get a new appreciation of what police officers do. They put their lives on the line every single day.”
The Downtown Council meets at 7:30 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at The University Club at Riverplace Tower on the Southbank.
Each week, the organization hosts a guest speaker who shares news and opinions on topics that affect the business community.
The next meeting is scheduled March 2, when Downtown Vision Inc. Executive Director Terry Lorince has been invited to speak to the group.
For more details, visit downtowncouncil.org
356-2466