INTERNAL
AFFAIRS UNIT
Internal investigations are conducted to uphold the professional conduct and code of ethics in a law enforcement agency. The integrity of an agency depends on the honesty and discipline of its employees. The public image of the agency is determined by the internal affairs response to allegations of misconduct by the employees of the agency. The Internal Affairs Sergeant is responsible for investigating all complaints of misconduct and wrongdoing against the department from any citizen, employee, or anonymous source, and responding to the Chief of Police.
The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for receiving, processing, assigning and supervising the investigation of any alleged misconduct or criminal conduct against any employee of the Miramar Police Department. The Internal Affairs Unit ensures that all allegations are investigated thoroughly and objectively.
Complaint Process
All complaints will be accepted by the Internal Affairs Unit in person, by letter, telephone or anonymous. The Chief of Police will review all complaints and a determination will be made to either assign the complaint to the immediate supervisor or the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct the investigation. Following a thorough and impartial investigation, a disposition will be rendered based on all available factual information. The citizen will be contacted at the completion of the investigation, and at that time will have an opportunity to discuss the disposition of the complaint.
Filing a Complaint
Step 1: Contact the Internal Affairs Unit or any Police Department Supervisor or any Communications Desk Officer.
Step 2: Complete the Citizen Complaint Form; It is preferred that the complainant directly involved in the allegation complete the form.
Step 3: The complainant will be contacted by the investigating supervisor or the Internal Affairs Unit. At this step the complainant may be requested to give sworn statements, produce any evidence of allegations and/or discuss complaint.
Disposition of Complaint
All complaints are kept confidential and are not subject to public disclosure prior to the completion of the investigation. The results, or findings, have five different classifications:
Sustained: The allegation is true and the action of the officer was not consistent with policy.
Not Sustained: The complaint has merit although the action of the officer was not inconsistent with policy.
Unfounded: Either the allegation is demonstrably false or there is no credible evidence to support it.
Exonerated: The allegation is true but the action of the member was consistent with policy.
Incomplete: The investigation could not be thoroughly or properly investigated.
Frequently asked Questions
Who does the Internal Affairs Unit report to?
The Internal Affairs Unit answers directly to the Assistant Chief of Police.
Is there any risk in making a complaint against a Police employee?
No, unless you deliberately make a false complaint against any employee, then you may be prosecuted criminally and/or held civilly liable.
What rights do Police Officers have when a complaint is made against them?
Officers are protected by the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights and their labor agreement, which provides that they shall not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or threats. They have a right to counsel or union representative during an investigation.
Questions or Recommendations
The Miramar Police Department is committed to providing excellent police service to the community. Citizen cooperation and input is essential if the department is to succeed in this goal. If you have any questions are recommendations on how the Miramar Police Department can improve police service, please call the Office of the Chief at (954) 602-4400, or mail correspondence directly to:
Internal Affairs
2300 Civic Center Place
Miramar, Florida 33025
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Sergeant Jim Dunkelberger
Internal Affairs
jdunkelberger@ci.miramar.fl.us
2300 Civic Center Place
Miramar , FL 33025
Phone: (954) 602-3843
Fax: (954)-602-3913
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