The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for either conducting or overseeing the investigation of all complaints of misconduct brought against any member of the Winter Springs Police Department. The Department knows that a thorough and unbiased investigation into the allegations of misconduct ensures the integrity of the Department and inspires confidence from the community that we serve. Departmental procedures define two types of complaints against its members. The first is informal. These are minor in nature and are usually disagreements or misunderstandings about procedural issues. Most complaints against the members of the Department can be resolved informally. The member's supervisor handles these issues. In an informal complaint investigation, the supervisor meets or speaks with the complaining party, the accused member, and then determines the appropriate action to take to resolve the complaint. The second is formal. Any member of the Department can receive a formal complaint from an individual. The Department investigates complaints made anonymously. The complaint is forwarded to Internal Affairs for review. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the unit may either turn the investigation over to the member's supervisor or upon the direction of the Chief of Police, conduct the investigation themselves. Once the investigation is completed, the results of the investigation, along with any recommendations, are forwarded to the Chief of Police. The complainant will be notified by the Chief of Police of the disposition of the complaint in writing. Depending upon the complexity of the investigation, the process can take up to 45 days.

Classifications for the disposition of complaints is as follows:

UNFOUNDED-The investigation conclusively shows that the allegations made by the complainant did not occur.

EXONERATED-The investigation showed that the allegations occurred but that the complained of behavior, conduct, or actions were proper and reasonable.

NOT SUSTAINED-The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to prove the allegation(s) made by the complainant.

SUSTAINED-The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove the allegation(s) made by the complainant.

POLICY FAILURE-The allegation is true but the investigation reveals policy or procedural changes are necessary.

OTHER-The evidence supports a sustained violation for some other matter discovered during the investigation. The Internal Affairs Unit also investigates Use of Force complaints and the discharge of a firearm by a member.

You can reach the Internal Affairs Unit by calling (407) 327-7954 or EMAIL.

Selection Process

The Internal Affairs Unit is also responsible for the administration of the Department's selection process. They receive all applications for employment and conduct the background investigations.

The Winter Springs Police Department always accepts applications. At this point in time, processing of applications only occurs as needed.

If you are interested in working for a dynamic and growing Department, contact Mary Wilson, Employee Relations Coordinator for the City of Winter Springs at (407) 327-5962. The City of Winter Springs is an equal opportunity employer.