AG Uthmeier demands Gainesville PD change policy on ‘gender expression’ during detainee searches

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has threatened to take legal action against the Gainesville Police Department over a reportedly transgender-inclusive detainee search policy.

Uthmeier posted a letter on social media addressed to GPD Chief Nelson Moya, taking issue with a policy that he claims “prioritizes gender ideology.” As of this report, police department officials say they have not received the attorney general’s demand letter.

In the letter, Uthmeier asserts the police department’s policy on detainee searches states officers with the same gender expression or identity should search detainees.

When an officer is “uncertain as to the individual’s gender expression or identity,” then the officer “shall ask the individual for their preference as to the gender expression or identity of the searching officer.”

The attorney general claims the policy violates Florida Law and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He demands the department rescind the policy no later than Aug. 15 or face legal action from his office.

GPD officials told TV20 that once they receive Uthmeier’s letter, they will address any issues if necessary.

At the time of this report, Uthmeier is campaigning for the Florida Attorney General position, which he was appointed to. Jose Rodriguez, a democrat, has filed to run against him.

Uthmeier has made fighting against transgender-inclusive policies a defining feature of his time in office.

Last year, he sent multiple letters to the Alachua County School District calling out a gender policy at Camp Crystal Lake and a teacher using a non-binary title.

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