Internal Affairs
The purpose of the Internal Affairs Unit is to establish a mechanism for the receipt, investigation and resolution of complaints of member misconduct. The goal of Internal Affairs is to insure that the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office is maintained through a system of internal discipline where fairness and justice are assured by an objective and impartial investigation and review.
The Internal Affairs Unit will conduct investigations of allegations of misconduct by members of the Sheriff’s Office and review the complaints handled by supervisors. In addition, Internal Affairs will be responsible for receiving all Citizens’ and Inmate Complaints, Response to Resistance incidents, to include Physical, Taser, Oleoresin Capsicum Spray, Impact and Firearm use. Internal Affairs also is responsible for receiving Traffic Crashes involving Sheriff’s Office vehicles, Disciplinary Action Appeals, Grievances and Public Request for Records.
The Internal Affairs Unit may conduct an internal investigation on its own initiative upon notice to, or at the direction of the Undersheriff or the Sheriff. Internal Affairs may refer investigations to the employee’s supervisor for action as permitted by agency policy and procedures.
The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for conducting quarterly audits on the MACE Informant Fund as well as the Criminal Investigations Informant Fund. Internal Affairs also conducts an inspection of the Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit Evidence/Property Room and consist of randomly pulling property receipts pertaining to evidence, stolen property, seized money and also weapons.
At the end of the year, the Internal Affairs Unit compiles a year end report of all statistical data gathered in the unit.
What is Bias Based Profiling?
Bias Based Profiling is 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.
What is the Sheriff's Office policy regarding Bias Based Profiling?
It is the policy of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office to treat every citizen with courtesy and respect. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age, or cultural group.
Sheriff’s Office deputies are required to use skills developed through training, experience and knowledge in order to identify suspicious circumstances, unusual occurrences and violations of the law and act according to the situation. Deputies shall patrol in a proactive manner when a belief that a crime was committed, is about to be committed or is in the process of being committed. This proactive approach aids in the detection and apprehension of criminals, maintains the safety of our streets, and protects our citizens and community from crime.
Any contact, stop, detention, or search based solely on Bias Based Profiling is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
For more information or to report a complaint of Bias Based Profiling, please contact the Internal Affairs Unit at (772) 978.6198.
Registering a Complaint
We encourage you to inform us when you have had a negative experience resulting from improper conduct or misconduct.
The Internal Affairs Unit of the Sheriff’s Office investigates complaints regarding serious violations of the law or Sheriff’s Office policy.
Complaints concerning less serious misconduct are referred to the member’s supervisor. It is requested that the person with first hand knowledge of the incident register the complaint in person so that the proper forms shall be completed and the facts of the complaint may be determined. Your complaint will be thoroughly investigated, and you will be notified in writing of the results.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is proud to serve you. Your input is valuable and we will continue to promote community oriented policing in Indian River County.
If it becomes necessary for you to register a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation.
***If you would like to file a complaint, please complete the downloadable Citizen Complaint Form and either print & mail the form back to the Sheriff’s Office or personally bring the form to the Sheriff’s Office Administration Building.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Internal Affairs Unit at:
4055 41st Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 978.6198
Please note:
Florida State Statute 837 - Perjury
Whoever knowingly makes a false statement in writing with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her official duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in S775.082 or S775.083.