Bias Based Profiling

The exercise of police authority based solely upon an individual’s race, ethnic origin, gender, age, or income status by the members of the Surfside Police Department is prohibited. The Town of Surfside Police Department enforces the law in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority, while protecting the rights of all persons. To this end, enforcement action, including but not limited to vehicle stops, stop and frisk of an individual, arrests, searches and seizures, the application of force, and initiation of forfeiture proceedings must be made solely on law, departmental policy, and articulable facts.

 
The basis for any and all enforcement action will be strictly based on illegal or improper activity. Initiating any action based solely on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, gender, lifestyle orientation, or physical handicap, is strictly prohibited, and is cause for Department disciplinary action.

Officers will receive continued training beyond their academy training regarding proactive enforcement, officer safety, cultural diversity, search and seizure, courtesy, and communication skills. In keeping with the Department’s Mission Statement and Values, training programs will emphasize the need to respect the rights of all citizens to be free from unreasonable intrusion or police action.

 
Any person may file a complaint with the Department if they believe that a Surfside Police Officer has violated Department policies. No person shall be discouraged, discriminated against, intimidated, or coerced from filing such complaint. The complaint may be made by phone, mail, or in person. All complaints are thoroughly investigated and the person filing the complaint will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.  

For further questions about complaint and internal investigation procedures, or if you would like to commend one of our dedicated employees, please contact the Department at (305) 861-4862 or go directly to the Surfside Police Department at 9293 Harding Avenue to speak to a supervisor.