The
Internal Affairs Section has been established to create
a process which ensures the integrity of the Public Safety
Department. This goal will be realized and maintained through
an internal system whereby objectivity, fairness and justice
are ensured by an impartial investigation and review.
The Internal Affairs Section is a specialized component
that is responsible for investigating all complaints and/or
allegations of illegal conduct and gross misconduct on the
part of any Public Safety employee and as directed by the
Public Safety Director.
Complaint Processing
- Complaints against employees may be received by the
Department in person, via written correspondence, and
telephone calls. Complaints of all types should be directed
to and received by the supervisor of the employee. If
the employee’s supervisor is not working, a supervisor
from the same division, or another available supervisor,
should be contacted to receive the complaint.
- The supervisor who receives information concerning a
complaint will, if at all possible, meet with the complainant
in person. This should take place at the Public Safety
Headquarters, but may be conducted elsewhere.
- Complaints will not normally be accepted more than thirty
(30) days after the alleged incident, unless the complainant
can show good cause for not making the complaint earlier.
- The supervisor will verbally discuss the allegations
with the complainant and take an initial written complaint.
The supervisor will then forward the complaint and all
related information to the Internal Affairs Section who
will document receipt of the complaint and classify the
allegation. After the allegation has been classified,
the Internal Affairs Section will forward the complaint
to the appropriate authority for investigation and disposition.
- Depending on the classification of the allegation, the
complaint may be assigned to a Division Captain or the
Internal Affairs Section.
- All complainants, witnesses and employees are subject
to sworn, audio recorded statements.
- In all Internal Affairs investigations, with the exception
of those specifically excluded by the Public Safety Director,
the employee will be provided a written Notification of
Complaint prior to the investigation of the complaint.
Conclusion of Facts
Investigations may have the following outcomes:
- Exonerated (Proper conduct) – The allegation is
true, but the action of the Department or the employee
was consistent with Department policy.
- Not substantiated (Insufficient evidence) - There is
insufficient proof to confirm or refute the allegation.
- Unfounded – Either the allegation is demonstrably
false or there is no credible evidence to support it.
- Sustained (Improper conduct) – The allegation
is true, and the action of the Department or the employee
was inconsistent with Department policy.
Filing a Complaint
To initiate a complaint against an employee of the Public
Safety Department, contact the Internal Affairs Section,
the employee’s supervisor or any available supervisor.
Citizen complaint forms are available at the Public Safety
Department located at 2995 Jog Road, Greenacres, Florida
33467.
Please note: It is against the law to make a complaint
against an officer that you know to be false and you may
be subject to prosecution.
General Information: 642-2153
Internal Affairs Section: 642-2105
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