How do I file a complaint against an Officer or Employee of the Police Department?
Complaints will be accepted in person, by letter, or telephone call. It
is preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who
is directly involved in the allegation against the Surfside Police
Department employee.
- Any Supervisor of the Department may accept a complaint.
- Upon receiving the complaint, the complaint will be forwarded to the Chief of Police.
- The
Chief of Police will assign the complaint to an internal affairs
investigator or a supervisor for a thorough investigation. The
complainant will be advised of the results of the investigation.
How are complaints investigated?
If the complaint is of a serious nature or the complaint alleges that
the member has committed a crime, an internal affairs investigator will
conduct the investigation.
If the complaint alleges minor violations of departmental policies or
procedures or the complaint alleges acts of discourtesy, the complaint
will be assigned to the member's immediate supervisor for a shift level
investigation.
Do any other agencies investigate complaints made against Department members?
Yes, the State Attorney's Office conducts a review of any complaint
that alleges that a crime was committed. Further, if a violation of
Federal law is alleged, a referral may be made to the appropriate
Federal Agency.
What rights do Police Officers have during an investigation?
Police Officers are protected by the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of
Rights and their labor contract.
Internal investigations remain confidential until they are concluded.
By law, no person involved in the investigation, to include the
complainant, witnesses, investigated members, or the investigators may
disclose any information regarding the investigation until it is
concluded.
Is there any risk in making a complaint against a member?
No, however if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and
statement against a member, that person may be criminally prosecuted or
held civilly liable.
What happens when the investigation is concluded?
The complainant and the Department member will be notified that the
case is concluded and it's results. In accordance with the Florida
Public Records Statute, the case is available for public inspection.
What is the function of the Internal Affairs?
The
Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for receiving, processing,
supervising and controlling investigations that involve allegations of
criminal conduct and acts of misconduct against members of the Surfside
Police Department.
The Office of the Chief of Police
ensures that allegations made against members of the Surfside Police
Department are thoroughly and objectively investigated.
The Office of the Chief of Police maintains a comprehensive index of
all complaints received against all members.
The Office of the Chief of Police reviews and approves all internal and shift level investigations.
What types of conduct is investigated?
- Any allegation of criminal conduct by any member of the department.
- Any allegation of misconduct by any member of the department.
- Allegations of unnecessary or excessive force used by a member of the department during the performance of duty.
- Allegations of violations of departmental administrative directives and Town policies.