The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible
for receiving, processing, supervising and controlling investigations that
involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct against
members of the Hollywood Police Department.
The Internal Affairs Unit ensures that
allegations made against members of the Hollywood Police Department are
thoroughly and objectively investigated.
The Internal Affairs Unit maintains a comprehensive
index of all complaints received against all members.
What does the
Internal Affairs Unit do?
The Internal Affairs Unit has the responsibility
to investigate:
-
Any allegation of criminal conduct by any
member of the department.
-
Any allegation of misconduct by any member
of the department.
-
Allegations of unnecessary or excessive force
used by a member of the department during the performance of duty.
To whom does the
Internal Affairs Unit report?
Reports directly to the Executive Major
and the Chief of Police.
How does one file
a complaint?
Complaints will be accepted in person,
by telephone or by letter. It is preferred that the complaint be made in
person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against
the Hollywood Police Department employee.
- Any Supervisor of the Department may accept a complaint.
- Upon receiving the complaint, the complaint will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit.
- When the Internal Affairs Unit receives a complaint, either the Internal Affairs Unit will investigate or it will
be forwarded to the appropriate Supervisor for an investigation.
How are complaints
investigated?
If the complaint is of a serious nature
or the complaint alleges that the member has committed a crime, the Internal
Affairs Unit will conduct the investigation.
If the complaint alleges minor violations
of departmental policies or procedures or the complaint alleges acts of
discourtesy, the complaint will be forwarded through the chain of command
to the member's immediate supervisor for an investigation.
Do any other agencies
investigate complaints made against Department members?
Yes, The State Attorney's Office conducts
a review of any complaint that alleges that a crime was committed. Further,
if a violation of Federal law is alleged, a referral may be made to the
appropriate Federal Agency.
What rights do
Police Officers have during an investigation?
Police Officers are protected by the Law
Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and their labor contract.
Internal investigations remain confidential
until they are concluded. By law, no person involved in the investigation,
to include the complainant, witnesses, investigated members, or the Investigators
may disclose any information regarding the investigation until it is concluded.
Is there any risk
in making a complaint against a member?
No. But if a person deliberately makes
a false complaint and statement against a member, that person may be criminally
prosecuted or held civilly liable.
What happens when
the investigation is concluded?
The complainant and the Department member
will be notified that the case is concluded and it's results. In accordance
with the Florida Public Records Statute, the case is available for public
inspection.
How do I contact the the Internal Affairs Unit?
Lieutenant
Ken Haberland and
Lieutenant Jack Anterio are assigned to the Internal Affairs unit and can be reached
by telephone at: (954) 967-4398
