citizen complaintsCitizens are encouraged to bring forward legitimate grievances regarding misconduct by Port Orange Police Officers. If you have a general complaint, problem, suggestion or praise you would like to tell us about and do not wish to be contacted, please use the online feedback form. However, specific complaints concerning officer misconduct should be documented on a Citizen Complaint Form. The form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to download. The form is also available in the Port Orange Police Department lobby. This complaint form is to be made available to any citizen who
wishes to file a complaint. The
person who is making the complaint must complete the form in its entirety
(except the shaded areas for official use only) and have the form notarized.
Any notary public can notarize this form.
A notary is available at the front desk of the Port Orange Police
Department from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Anyone who needs assistance in completing the complaint form should call
756-7400 and ask for a Port Orange Police Department Supervisor. The completed and notarized form must be submitted at the
front desk of the Port Orange Police Department, mailed to the Port Orange
Police Department at 1395 Dunlawton Ave. Port Orange, FL 32129 or given directly
to any member of the Port Orange Police Department. The complainant should be
sure to leave a phone number in the space indicated on the complaint form. An investigator will contact the complainant as soon as
practical after receiving the complaint, usually within three days of receiving
the complaint. Investigations are to be completed with 45 days of receiving the
complaint. In order to preserve the
integrity of the process, all investigations of misconduct are based on sworn
testimony given in writing and in tape recorded oral interviews. In the interest
of fairness, it is important that Florida Statutes 837.06 and 775.082-083-084
are understood by anyone making an official statement in connection with an
official investigation. Whoever
knowingly makes a false statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public
servant in the performance of their official duty shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor of the second degree. Further,
if the allegations against the officer are not sustained, the accused has the
right to pursue civil recourse against the complainant. In the interest of maintaining the integrity of this investigation, I would ask for your cooperation by not discussing the specifics of this case with anyone other than the chief investigator or your representative until the investigation has been concluded. Although there is no legal prohibition against this, such discussions could adversely affect the accuracy of our findings. Please be assured that our investigation will be thorough and timely. |
