Professional Standards Bureau

The accreditation process increases the Department's ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community. The process enhances community understanding of the Department and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives.

Because the Department is accountable to a third-party accrediting commission, it is compelled to operate within specific guidelines. The Department must stay in compliance with established standards in order to retain its accreditation. By adopting these accreditation standards, the Department assures that its services continue to be excellent.

The Boca Raton Police Services Department has been participating in law enforcement accreditation programs since 1987.

Internal Affairs

Professional Standards Office - Complaints

In the event that a Boca Raton Police Services Department employee fails to meet our high standards, it is the policy of the Department to investigate all allegations of misconduct against any member. The goal of this policy is to seek the truth and provide prompt and equitable corrective disciplinary action and/or retraining if needed.

Complaint Procedure

To make a complaint against a Boca Raton Police Services Department Employee, notify a department supervisor by:

• Coming in person to the police station located at 100 NW Boca Raton Boulevard
• Calling the Boca Raton Police Services Departments non-emergency number 561-368-6201 and requesting a supervisor
• Calling the Boca Raton Police Services Departments Professional Standards Office 561-338-1203
• Mailing comments directly to the Chief of Police at:
  100 NW Boca Raton Boulevard
  Boca Raton, FL 33432

Although the Department prefers to meet with the complainant in person to gather all the necessary information, complaints can also be made over the telephone or by mail. Anonymous complaints will be reviewed as well. Every complaint is directed to supervisor personnel immediately and brought to the attention of the Chief of Police.

Conduct Form

A department supervisor will complete the Citizen Complaint Form. Whenever possible, a copy of this form will be given to the complainant. This provides verification to the complainants that the complaint has been received and will be processed.

If the allegation of misconduct is extremely serious in nature, the Chief of Police or his designee (in his absence) will be notified as soon as possible. Examples of extremely serious activity include criminal activity, complaints against command personnel, or complaints of excessive force.

All complaints will be investigated by the employee's supervisor, a division commander, or the Internal Affairs supervisor at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the complainant will be notified of the results, whenever the complainant's address or phone number is available.

Please Note: Any false, misleading or untrue statements, accusations, or allegations in relation to the employees of the Boca Raton Police Services Department may lead to civil or criminal sanctions.

Bias Based Profiling

Definition

The use of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation or any other characteristic or status as the sole consideration for any law enforcement action except when a suspect with a specific characteristic is known.

It is the policy of the Department to prevent and prohibit the practice of bias based profiling and any other discriminatory practice by members of the Boca Raton Police Services Department. Bias Based Profiling is the selection of individuals based solely on a common trait of a group. This includes race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age, or cultural group.

Members of the Department are strictly prohibited from engaging in racial profiling, discriminatory practices and bias based policing of individuals.

Reporting Bias

If you wish to report a case of Bias Based Profiling please contact the Boca Raton Police Services Department by:

• Coming in person to the police station located at 100 NW Boca Raton Boulevard
• Calling the Boca Raton Police Services Departments non-emergency number 561-368-6201 and requesting a supervisor
• Calling the Boca Raton Police Services Departments Professional Standards Office 561-338-1203
• Mailing comments directly to the Chief of Police at:
  100 NW Boca Raton Boulevard
  Boca Raton, FL 33432

This does not preclude someone from filing a complaint directly with the City of Boca Raton, by calling 561-393-7804 or by writing to the Human Resources Division:
201 W Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton, FL 33432