As a means of constantly striving to improve police performance and maintain the highest respect from the community of the Orange County Sheriff's Office:

• 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.
  

The Orange County Sheriff's Office adheres to the following principles:

• Integrity - We adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards. We are honest and sincere in dealing with each other and the community. We have the courage to uphold these principles and are proud that they guide us in all we do.
  
• Respect - We recognize the value of our unique cultural diversity and treat all people with kindness, tolerance, and dignity. We cherish and protect the rights, liberties, and freedom of all as granted by the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Florida.
  
• Fairness - Objective, impartial decisions and policies are the foundation of our interactions. We are consistent in our treatment of all persons. Our actions are tempered with reason and equity.
  
• Courage - This is accomplished through our willingness to confront society's most dangerous situations. We recognize the ever-present dangers of our assignments and we are able to respond confidently and courageously as a result of our training and commitment to the community we serve.

Commendation/Complaint Procedure

 Sheriff Kevin Beary encourages each of his deputies to treat the public with the utmost respect. However there are times when the public may feel they may need to take issue with a deputy's actions.

As part of the process of continual improvement, Sheriff Beary has outlined procedures from the public to bring forth concerns regarding deputies' actions.

Whether you wish to commend a deputy/employee, or if you believe a deputy/employee of the Orange County Sheriff's Office has acted improperly, you can register your commendation or complaint in any of the following ways:

1. You can speak with a supervisor by telephoning the Communications Center at (407) 836-4357. Inform the operator of your desire to speak with a supervisor and you will be assisted.

2. You can telephone Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) at (407) 254-7441. This office is staffed Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After hours you may leave a message with a return telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible the next business day.

3. You can make your commendation/complaint in writing directly to Professional Standards by mailing it to:
   Orange County Sheriff's Office
   Professional Standards
   2500 W Colonial Dr
   Orlando, FL 32804

4.  You can fax your commendation/complaint directly to Professional Standards at (407) 254-7453.

You can also make your commendation/complaint by e-mailing Professional Standards at the following e-mail address: professionalstandards@ocfl.net.

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. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

When making a commendation/complaint via fax, 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.

Commendations

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

Complaints

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 Professional Standards or forwarded to the appropriate Division Commander for investigation. 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.