Bias-Based Profiling Policy

About the Policy

It is the policy of the Oviedo Police Department to prohibit members from using biased policing while enforcing the laws of the Federal government, the State of Florida, and ordinances of the City of Oviedo.  It is the policy of this department to proactively patrol, investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws while insisting that citizens will only be stopped or detained or for a lawful purpose when there exists reasonable suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or are about to commit an infraction of the law.

Biased Policing is the inappropriate consideration of specified characteristics while enforcing the law or providing police services.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Race
• Ethnic background
• National origin
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Socio-economic status
• Religion
• Disability
• Political status
• Age

Training

All sworn personnel receive initial and ongoing training in fair and impartial policing including legal aspects in accordance with Florida Statute; the department’s prohibition on the use of biased policing; the appropriate use of proactive enforcement tactics; and proper traffic stop procedures.

Discipline & Reviews

The Oviedo Police Department prohibits the use of Biased Policing.  Personnel found in violation of this order will be subject to corrective measures which may include remedial training or disciplinary action.

Professional Standards is responsible for an annual administrative review of all the department’s Biased Policing complaints for the year, including whether they were sustained, not sustained, unfounded, or exonerated.  This will also encompass a review of agency practices and traffic stop procedures related to fair and impartial policing.

Authority

Dale Coleman, Chief of Police