Professional Standards

The members of the Longwood Police Department believe our most important partnership is with the community we serve. We consistently strive to strengthen and protect our relationship with the residents, business owners, and visitors of Longwood. This is a responsibility shared by every employee of our department.

As a means of constantly striving to improve police performance the Longwood Police Department:

  • Seeks citizen input for improvement in our services.
  • Welcomes citizen commendations of our personnel who admirably perform their duties.
  • Encourages questions and/or complaints regarding the agency’s performance or the actions of its employees whenever there is a concern.


Procedure to Commend an Officer or Make a Complaint:

Chief David Dowda encourages each of the officers to treat the public with the utmost respect. However, there are times when the public may feel they may need to take issue with an officer’s actions.

As part of the process of continual improvement, Chief Dowda has outlined procedures for the public to bring forth concerns regarding officers’ actions.

Whether you wish to commend an officer/employee, or if you believe an officer or employee of the Longwood Police Department has acted improperly, you can register your commendation or complaint in any of the following ways:

In-Person- The Longwood Police Department is located at 235 W. Church Avenue, Longwood, Florida. You are welcome to come into the lobby during business hours and ask to speak to a supervisor. After hours, please pick up the red phone by our lobby entrance and request a supervisor to meet with you. 


By Phone- You can speak with a supervisor by telephoning the Longwood Police Department at (407) 260-3400. Inform the operator of your desire to speak with a supervisor and you will be assisted.


By Mail- You can make your commendation/complaint in writing directly to Professional Standards by mailing it to:

Longwood Police Department

               Chief David Dowda

               235 W. Church Ave.

               Longwood, FL 32750


By E-Mail- You can also make your commendation/complaint by e-mailing ddowda@longwoodfl.org

 

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.


When making a commendation/complaint via U.S. Mail, or e-mail, you are encouraged to include your mailing address and/or telephone number so you can be contacted in the event additional information is needed. It will also enable us to inform you of the disposition of your commendation/complaint.



What Is A Commendation?

There is no greater form of recognition a police officer/employee can receive than a compliment from those they have assisted. A few words of thanks from a citizen mean a great deal. In cases where a letter of appreciation from a citizen is submitted, the employee and his/her chain of command, including Chief Dowda, are made aware of the outstanding performance. A copy of the letter is then placed in the employee’s personnel file.



How Are Complaints Handled?

Complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. In most cases, the investigation of a complaint will be completed within 45 days. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the investigation may be conducted by a Professional Standards Investigator. The investigator will interview the concerned parties and witnesses. He/she will record witness statements and gather other relevant information and evidence. If a complaint is sustained, appropriate discipline and/or corrective action will occur. In some cases, complaints will be handled by the employees’ direct supervisor. Regardless of the method of the inquiry, the party that initiated the complaint, will be notified of the outcome.