Watch CBS News

Ouster Of Florida's Top Cop Could Spark Power Shift

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — The abrupt ousting of the head of Florida's law enforcement agency may spark a major shakeup in how top officials are hired.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam on Wednesday called for an overhaul of how the Cabinet approves agency heads. Putnam also wants to change how the Cabinet oversees several departments.

Last week, Gov. Rick Scott, Putnam and two other officials agreed to appoint a new commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Former Commissioner Gerald Bailey was forced out by the Scott administration in December without the knowledge of other elected officials. Bailey has alleged he was pushed out after refusing unethical requests from Scott and his staff.

The uproar over Bailey's ouster has prompted other state elected officials to question what happened.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.