On October 2, 2026, my brother, Brandon Lawrence Whitworth, a father, a friend, and a man who deserved compassion, was tragically shot and killed by Pasco County Deputy Jarrod Frederickson. Brandon was unarmed, standing over 30 feet away, posing no immediate threat. Shockingly, after just seven seconds of commands, eight rounds shattered the potential for anything but a tragic end. We believe his Fourth Amendment rights were egregiously violated. Brandon dealt with mental illness and needed understanding, not a life-ending decision.

This senseless loss underscores the dire need for reform in our policing system. Brandon's story is a call to action for "Brandon’s Law," which seeks to mandate comprehensive changes in law enforcement training and accountability. Our demands are clear and actionable:

1. **Mandatory Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Training**: Require 40 hours annually of in-person training for officers, focusing on de-escalation techniques and understanding mental health crises.

2. **Annual Constitutional Rights and Deadly Force Recertification**: Ensure that all officers regularly refresh and demonstrate their understanding of citizens’ rights and appropriate use of force.

3. **Mandatory Scenario-Based Evaluations**: Implement regular scenario-based evaluations to test and reinforce officers’ abilities to manage real-life situations effectively without resorting to deadly force.

4. **Accountability Measures**: Enforce strict accountability for officers who fail to meet these standards, with transparent investigations and appropriate disciplinary actions.

We are also calling for mandatory annual competency testing on Fourth Amendment protections, constitutional limitations on the use of deadly force, and established Supreme Court rulings, including Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner.

Officers who fail to demonstrate competency in constitutional rights, deadly force standards, or crisis intervention must complete remedial training and successfully pass reevaluation before returning to enforcement duties.

These requirements must be tied directly to maintaining active law enforcement certification in the State of Florida, with statewide standards established and enforced through the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

Protecting constitutional rights should never be optional. Understanding those rights should be a condition of wearing the badge.

Brandon’s Law is about accountability, competency, and preventing another family from experiencing what ours has.

These changes are not just necessary; they are urgent. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, individuals with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter. It’s time to put an end to preventable tragedies caused by inadequate training and a lack of accountability.

Brandon’s life was invaluable, and his death should serve as a turning point. By signing this petition, you are demanding urgent reforms that will not only honor Brandon’s legacy but also protect countless others vulnerable to similar fates. Let's push for systemic change and ensure law enforcement officers are equipped to protect and serve all members of our community with dignity and respect.

Please join me in advocating for "Brandon’s Law" by signing this petition. Together, we can hold our law enforcement to the highest standards of professionalism and humanity.