FL S0068

Authorizes the City of Tallahassee to appropriate funds and compensate Irving Hoffman and Marjorie Weiss for the wrongful death of their daughter Rachel Hoffman, who was killed during a police-supervised confidential informant operation on May 7, 2008.

Rachel Hoffman, a 23-year-old FSU graduate in a drug court program, was recruited without legal counsel to conduct a controlled buy of 1,500 MDMA pills, 2-3 ounces of cocaine, and a firearm from individuals with violent histories and no prior dealings with her.

The Tallahassee Police Department violated its own policies by conducting the operation at an unsecured public park location that was changed without authorization, failing to brief officers about the firearm, losing visual and audio surveillance of Hoffman, and providing inadequate training and preparation.

A Leon County Grand Jury and Florida Attorney General investigation found the department committed negligent acts in recruiting, planning, and executing the operation, determining that the department's poor supervision and planning led to Hoffman's murder.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and related expenses cannot exceed 25 percent of the compensation award, with the payment serving as sole compensation for all claims arising from Rachel Hoffman's death.