Mission Statement
To enhance the quality of life of the Citizens of Melbourne, Florida by:

• Providing quality police services

• The control of crime

• The apprehension of offenders

• Providing enhanced Public Safety through Traffic Control Programs

Vision
Provide an environment in the Melbourne
Police Department that results in:

• Reduction in crime and fear of crime
  

• Maximum efficiency
  

• Enhanced customer service
  

• Improve public confidence
  

• Personal and professional growth for employees
  

About the Melbourne Police Department

To fulfill our Mission and Vision, the Melbourne Police Department offers a range of professional services through a dedicated, well trained, professional staff.  We offer the services of a modern, progressive law enforcement department.  Services range from computerized dispatch, crime analysis and accident reports to neighborhood and business watch programs.

The Melbourne Police Department is committed to excellence in service to the community.  Each day we offer professional law enforcement service to our resident population and the daily influx of citizens from the communities who work or visit in the City of Melbourne.

The Melbourne Police Department responds to thousands of calls for service resulting in arrest and criminal reports.  In a typical year, less than .25% of these incidents result in formal citizen complaints against members of the Department.

The standards of the Melbourne Police Department are among the highest in the State, and our officers are among the best trained. 

The high level of law enforcement service delivered to the community and its citizens, can only prosper through police/community relations and your participation in commendation, recommendation, question and complaint.
 

Commending Superior Performance

If you wish to commend the actions of any Melbourne Police Department employee you can:

• Ask to speak with the employee's supervisor and verbally express your commendation, or;

• Write a letter to Chief of Police Donald L. Carey explaining your commendation, or;

• Call the Melbourne Police Department and explain your commendation.

Commendations received by the Chief for any Melbourne Police Department employee results in advising the employee of your gratitude, and your kindness in informing us of your appreciation.  His/her actions and your appreciation are related through a letter of thanks or commendation from the Chief, a copy of which is permanently entered into the employee's personnel file.
 

Complaints

It is essential that the community have confidence in the administrative procedures of the Police Department that are designed to supervise and control exercise of police power.  If the integrity and efficiency of the Department is to be maintained, allegations of misconduct against members of the Department and complaints of inadequate service must be thoroughly and expeditiously investigated.

The administration recognizes that Department members are often subjected to intense pressures in the discharge of their duties.  Officers are frequently required to remain neutral under circumstances that are likely to generate considerable tension, excitement, and emotion.  In such situations, words, actions, and events occasionally result in misunderstanding and confusion.  It is to the advantage of each Department member, and the community that there are sound internal procedures for the thorough and impartial investigation of allegations arising out of such circumstances.

The expeditious resolution of complaints in a fair and impartial manner will ensure that the present high level of integrity and efficiency enjoyed by the Department is maintained.

It shall be the policy of the Melbourne Police Department to investigate citizen complaints.  The Department will continue to investigate all valid complaints, in a timely manner, to their logical conclusion.
 

Informal vs. Formal Complaint

The Melbourne Police Department provides two methods for investigation and resolution of complaints against its employees.  One method is informal, the other is formal.

Informal:  Upon initial contact with a complainant, the Watch Commander, or designee, may determine that the complaint does not involve improper conduct on behalf of the Department or any employee.  In this case, the Watch Commander, or designee, will resolve the situation to the satisfaction of the complainant, if possible.  If the complaint cannot be resolved at the initial reception level, the Watch Commander, or designee, will begin the Formal Complaint Process.

Formal:  After being advised of the complaint procedure, the complainant will be provided a complaint packet, along with an envelope addressed to the Chief of Police.  The complainant may complete the complaint packet at a location other than the police facility.  The complaint packet may be mailed or hand delivered to the police facility.  The complainant shall be instructed to return the complaint packet sealed in the envelope.  Should the complainant request to speak with a higher authority, appropriate arrangements shall be made.

The Internal Affairs Unit

The Internal Affairs Unit, under direct authority of the Chief of Police, investigates all formal complaints of misconduct by Department personnel. 

The goal and function of the Internal Affairs Unit is to ensure that the integrity of the Department is maintained and that objectivity, fairness, and justice are ensured.  An impartial investigation and review of each complaint brought to the Department's attention is vital.

After the allegations are fully investigated, the Department will decide what action should be taken to resolve the complaint.  The complainant and employee will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation.
 

Questions or Recommendations

The Melbourne Police Department is committed to providing the best law enforcement service possible.  Citizen cooperation and participation are essential if the Department is to succeed in this goal.  If you have questions about any specific action taken by the Melbourne Police Department, how the Department operates, or have a recommendation on how we can improve our law enforcement services, please call the Melbourne Police Department at 321/ 409-2200.

Chief Donald L. Carey
Melbourne Police Department
650 N. Apollo Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida  32935