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Commend or Complain about the Performance of a Police Department Employee Form

How to Officially Commend or Complain about the Performance of a Police Department Employee

The North Miami Beach Police Department encourages citizens to recognize police employees who admirably perform their duties, and encourage feedback on the Department's performance or the actions of its members.

Commending Superior Performance

To commend the actions of a North Miami Beach Police Department employee, you can:

  • Ask to speak with the Shift Supervisor or Commander and verbally communicate your praise; or,
  • Write a letter to the Chief of Police explaining your praise.
  • Submit your positive comments using the form below. (We encourage you to provide your name and contact information so we can discuss your commendation).

Commendations received by the Chief of Police for any North Miami Beach Police Department employee result in the employee being advised of your gratitude and also the placement of the commendation in the employees permanent record. Depending on the situation, the employee could be considered for the other department or community awards recognition. Minimally, the employee is made aware of your kindness and appreciation.

The North Miami Beach Police Department is also interested in hearing from you and being accountable to our customers.

The Internal Affairs Process

The goal of Internal Affairs is to ensure that the integrity of the department is maintained and that objectivity, fairness, and justice are ensured through an impartial investigation and review of each complaint brought to the Department's attention. This process is in place for the protection of the public, the department and the officers.

If your complaint results in a formal investigation, the incident will be brought to the attention of the Chief of Police and a thorough, impartial, and confidential investigation will be conducted by Internal Affairs. The investigation will usually include the examination of physical evidence and interviews with the complainant, the witnesses, and the involved officers. After the allegations have been fully investigated, the Chief of Police will determine what actions, if any, should be taken to resolve the complaint.

The Complaint Process

There are two methods for investigating and resolving complaints against members of the Department. One method is informal, the other is formal.

Most complaints against employees can be resolved by the employee's supervisor. This is considered an informal investigation. In a formal investigation, the officer's Shift Commander meets with the employee and then determines the appropriate action to take to resolve the complaint.

With more serious complaints of misconduct, the Shift Commander will take an initial statement from the complainant and then refer the incident to the Internal Affairs Unit for a formal investigation.

To make an informal complaint against an employee, please contact the North Miami Beach Police Department either in person at 16901 NE 19th Avenue or by calling 305-949-5599 and ask to speak to a supervisor.

To make a formal complaint about an employee, you may pick up a Citizen's Complaint Affidavit in the station lobby, or contact the Internal Affairs Unit at: 305-787-6039. While the North Miami Beach Police Department encourages comments about our employees, it is difficult to conduct an investigation and make a determination based on anonymous information, due to a lack of complete information and victim / witness cooperation.

Please keep in mind that the filing of a complaint requires a sworn affidavit, under penalties of perjury, per Florida State Statutes in regards to knowingly providing false information, and may result in Civil and / or Criminal penalties.

* Citizen Complaint Affidavit can be found here: English    Spanish    Creole