Bias-Free Policing

Due to the nature of their business, law enforcement officers are required to be observant, to identify unusual occurrences and law violations, and to act upon them. It is this proactive enforcement that helps keep our citizens free from crime, our streets and highways safe to drive upon, and detects and apprehends criminals. The West Melbourne Police Department is committed to the fair and bias-free treatment of all people. Fair and bias-free policing enhances legitimate law enforcement efforts and promotes trust within the community. 

Equal Protection

A fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States to all who live in this nation is equal protection under the law. Along with this right to equal protection is the fundamental right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. Citizens are free to walk and drive our streets, highways, and other public places without police interference so long as they obey the law. They also are entitled to be free from crime, the unlawful acts of criminals, and to drive and walk our public ways safe from the actions of reckless and careless drivers.

The West Melbourne Police Department is charged with protecting these rights, for all, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, physical handicap, religion, or other belief system.

BIASED POLICING

The inappropriate consideration of specified characteristics while enforcing the law or providing police services. Specified characteristics includes, but are not limited to, race, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, political status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

FAIR AND BIAS-FREE TREATMENT

Conduct of members wherein all people are treated in the same manner under the same or similar circumstances irrespective of specified characteristics.

POLICY

People having contact with Department personnel shall be treated in a fair, impartial, bias-free, and objective manner, in accordance with law, and without consideration of specified characteristics as defined by policy. Biased policing is prohibited by Department members in accordance with Florida Statutes.

POLICE SERVICES

Sometimes referred to as community caretaking functions, these are actions and activities that may not directly include enforcement of the law, but that contribute to the overall well-being of the public. These include, but are not limited to, such tasks as welfare checks; death notifications; public assistance to persons who may be lost, confused, or affected by mental or physical illness; traffic control; medical emergencies; lifesaving services; crime prevention; public information; and community engagement. 

Report an Incident

Should you encounter a situation where you believe you were stopped by a West Melbourne police officer based on your race, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, political status, or any other legally protected characteristics, you are encouraged to contact the shift supervisor as soon as possible at 321-723-9673.

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