Commend an Employee

We are very proud of our employees and we appreciate positive feedback concerning their performance. The mission and goals of a Police Department can only succeed with the support of the community. Members of the public can commend or compliment the performance of a Surfside Police employee by:

Calling the Surfside Police Department non-emergency number 305.861.4862, and requesting to speak to the Chief or a Supervisor.

Mailing comments directly to the Chief of Police at

9293 Harding Avenue, Surfside, Florida 33154

When a commendation is received verbally, it will be documented and forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police. Employees are notified and recognized for all commendations. A copy of the correspondence is placed in the employee's file.

The Surfside Police Department employees appreciate the effort and consideration of concerned citizens who take the time to commend employee performance.

File a Complaint

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.
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