Biased Policing

Statement

Officers of the Longwood Police Department are prohibited from engaging in the practice of biased policing. Biased policing is defined as the selection of individuals based solely on a trait common to a group for enforcement action.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Age
• Cultural Group
• Economic Status
• Ethnic Background
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual Orientation
• Any Other Identifiable Group

The officers only conduct traffic stops, field contacts, and other enforcement efforts on individuals based upon the existence and accumulation of reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or other legal tactics.

While the agency does engage in asset forfeiture efforts in accordance with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, any seizures and/or forfeiture efforts based solely upon biased policing are prohibited.

All officers have received training in biased policing issues that included legal aspects as set forth by Florida Statutes and the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

The Longwood Police Department is attempting to educate the citizens of our community and make everyone aware biased policing will not be tolerated within the Longwood Police Department. Should any complaints of biased policing be made, or come to light, they will be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly. The purpose of this statement is to make all citizens aware of our agency's position on this topic.