6 and 8 year olds arrested in Orlando

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An Orlando school resource officer is under an internal investigation after he arrested two elementary school students, ages 6 and 8, during separate incidents Thursday without getting approval from his supervisor.

Sgt. David Baker said in an email to News 6 that Officer Dennis Turner arrested two students, ages 6 and 8, on unrelated misdemeanor charges.

Prior to arresting a minor under 12 years old, officers are required to seek approval from their watch commander, which is department policy. Turner did not do so prior to taking the students in for booking, according to Baker.

"During the arrest process, supervisors became aware of this incident," Baker said.

The 8-year-old was processed at the Juvenile Assessment Center and released to a family member a short time later, police said. The 6-year-old was released from custody and returned to the school prior to being processed at the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Meralyn Kirkland, the grandmother of the 6-year-old girl, told News 6 her granddaughter attends Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy, an Orlando charter school.

She said the 6-year-old was handcuffed and fingerprinted and her mug shots were taken, because of a tantrum that ocurred at school.

Kirkland said her granddaughter has some behavioral issues because of sleep deprivation, something the family has been seeing a therapist to help address.

"When they finally brought her in there, she was shaking like a leaf and she was telling me, 'Grandma,' she says, 'the handcuffs hurt,'" Kirkland said.

Kirkland said her granddaughter was taken in a patrol car Thursday to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

"She kicked somebody yesterday and they're charging her with battery," Kirkland said.

An internal investigation into the arrests is ongoing.

Orange County Public School officials told News 6 the arrests did not happen at a public school. There are several privately operated charter schools in Orlando.

How can I get in contact with this officer? I have a cousin who could use his help with a 2 month old infant who is constantly disturbing the peace with crying at all odd hours of the day and night.

How can I get in contact with this officer? I have a cousin who could use his help with a 2 month old infant who is constantly disturbing the peace with crying at all odd hours of the day and night.

You want the cops to take care of a crying baby? Are you serious?

"Prior to arresting a minor under 12 years old, officers are required to seek approval from their watch commander, which is department policy. Turner did not do so prior to taking the students in for booking, according to Baker. "
A system of arresting and processing 6 and 8 year old kids. Wow! And there are sheeple who are just fine with this

You want the cops to take care of a crying baby? Are you serious?

Orlando school resource officer who arrested students ages 6, 8 under investigation

School districts are afraid of being sued by snowplow parents. Teachers are told by their unions don’t do anything because your district won’t back you because they will be sued. You have school resource officers(cops) there due to mass shootings and you get what you get. 6 year olds having a tantrum or fights and kicking sometimes happens. Often an hour later all is forgotten and they are playing with each other again. Or at least that is how it used to be. This type of stuff used be taken care of by a trip to the principles office and the kids involved being made to shake hands and apologize. A repeat offender might be suspended by said principle. Calling the cops and arresting children was unthinkable and properly so, now it is a law enforcement matter. It is not happening much yet but will anybody be surprised say in 10 years children are being jailed for acting like children will not be unusual?


The following is pure guessing on my part.
Why is her sleep apnea being treated by a therapist and not by a medical professional?
That we are hearing from the child’s grandmother is suggestive of a dysfunctional family. If that is the situation that is more likely the source of her behavioral issues with exhaustion being a secondary not a primary cause.



Whatever the situation, that school discipline more and more a matter for the police is another sign that American society is profoundly sick.

An Orlando elementary school resource officer who arrested two 6-year-olds in two separate incidents was fired Monday, said Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon.

Rolon said during an afternoon press conference the department was trying to give the officer "at least the benefit" of reviewing paperwork and statements.

"It was clear today when I came into work that there was no other remedy than to terminate this officer," he said.
Rolon added that one of his top priorities as the chief of police is "to earn and protect the trust between the community and its officers" and this incident put that trust into question.

"On behalf of myself and the Orlando Police Department, I apologize to the children involved and their families," Rolon said.

Police initially said one child was 8 years old, but Rolon said Monday they were both 6 years old.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala said Monday that her office would not prosecute the misdemeanor battery charges against either child.
"I refuse to knowingly play any role in the school-to-prison pipeline at any age," she said. "These very young children ought to be protected, nurtured and disciplined in a manner that does not rely on the criminal justice system to do it."

n a statement provided to CNN, the police department said, "The second transport officer verified approval was not obtained and the process for the six year old was stopped immediately. The child was returned to the school prior to being processed at the Juvenile Assessment Center."

The statement also mentions the school resource officer in question arrested another child in a separate incident.
"The first transport officer was not aware an approval was not obtained, and the (other child) was processed through the Juvenile Assessment Center. The child was released to a family member a short time later."

Rolon briefly spoke about the arresting officer's history with children Monday, saying the officer had a personal incident involving his own child years ago. Rolon said he could not go into details at this time.