Bias-Based Policing

The Altamonte Springs Police Department is here to protect the community. Law enforcement officers are required to use skills developed through observation, training and experience in order to identify suspicious circumstances, unusual occurrences and violations of law (municipal ordinance, criminal and traffic) and to act according to the situation. We contact people who, according to our training, experience and knowledge, are in a place or are acting in a way to make us believe that a crime was committed, is about to be committed or is in the process of being committed. This proactive approach aids in the detection and apprehension of criminals, maintains the safety of our streets and highways, and protects our citizens and community from being victims of crime.

Our training, professionalism and ethics form the foundation for every contact our officers make. Discriminatory enforcement or practices will alienate our citizens, foster distrust of police in the community, invite media scrutiny, legislative action and judicial intervention, and potentially lead to allegations of constitutional and civil rights violations. As we perform our duties, it is imperative that we afford all citizens the Constitutional and fundamental right to equal protection under the law. 

What Is Bias-Based Policing?

The selection of an individual for enforcement action based upon their association to a particular group. These groups include, but are not limited to: race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age or cultural group.

Policy

The ASPD prohibits members from using bias-based profiling while enforcing the laws of the Federal Government, the State of Florida and the ordinances of the City of Altamonte Springs. It is the policy of this Department to patrol in a proactive manner, to thoroughly investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the criminal, motor vehicle, traffic and ordinance violations. Citizens will only be detained when reasonable suspicion exists to believe that a violation of law was committed, was about to be committed or was in the process of being committed.

How to Report Bias-Based Policing

Citizens who believe they have been subjected to bias-based policing are encouraged to file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Section of the ASPD. Complaints may be filed in person, by mail or by telephone. When making a complaint, please include all facts, names, dates and places known. Please and include as much detail as possible about the interaction.

 ALL COMPLAINTS WILL BE INVESTIGATED.