Statement on Bias Based Profiling

Officers of the Edgewood Police Department are prohibited from engaging in the practice of bias-based profiling. Bias-based profiling is defined as the selection of individuals based solely on a trait common to a group for enforcement action. This includes but is not limited to race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age, cultural group, or any other identifiable group.

The officers only conduct traffic stops, field contacts, and other enforcement efforts on individuals based upon the existence and accumulation of reasonable suspicion, probable cause, or other legal tactics.

While the agency does engage in asset forfeiture efforts in accordance with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, any seizures and/or forfeiture efforts based solely upon bias-based profiling are prohibited.

All officers have received training in bias-based profiling issues that included legal aspects as set forth by Florida Statutes and the Florida Criminal Justice and Training Commission.

I am attempting to educate the citizens of Edgewood and make the community aware that bias-based profiling will not be tolerated within the Edgewood Police Department. Should any complaints of bias-based profiling be made or come to light, they will be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.

The purpose of this statement is to make all citizens aware of our agency's position on this topic.