Biased policing is the inappropriate consideration of specified characteristics while enforcing the law or providing police services. Specified characteristics includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, political status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

It is the policy of the Ponce Inlet Police Department that biased policing is prohibited in conducting traffic and/or field contacts, asset seizure and forfeiture efforts pursuant to FSS 166.0493.

It is the responsibility of the Ponce Inlet Police department to conduct patrol operations in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws of the State of Florida, while insisting that citizens will only be stopped or detained when there exists reasonable suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or are about to commit, an infraction or violation of the law.

It is the policy of this department to provide citizens with the highest degree of law enforcement services, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, income status, sexual orientation, and religious or political affiliation.

A fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States to all who live in this nation is the right to equal protection under the law. Along with this right is the fundamental right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agencies. Citizens are free to walk and drive our streets, highways, and other public places without police interference so long as they obey the law. They are also entitled to be free from crime, and from the depredations of criminals, and to remain safe from the actions of reckless and careless drivers.

The Ponce Inlet Police Department is charged with protecting these rights, for all, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, physical handicap, or other belief system.

This policy is intended to assist the officers of the Ponce Inlet Police Department in accomplishing this mission in a way that respects the dignity of all persons, and yet sends a strong deterrent message to actual and potential violators that, if a law is violated, a police encounter will follow.