Bias Policing

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Prohibits Bias Policing

We are here to protect the community:

It is the policy of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to patrol in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the laws. Members of this agency will focus on the conduct of the person or other specific information for any investigatory contacts. Deputies must have reasonable suspicion supported by specific articulated facts that the person being stopped or detained has or is about to commit a crime or is currently presenting a threat to the safety of themselves or others.

We want to do the right thing:

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office respects the dignity and rights of all persons and will protect the fundamental rights of all citizens to equal protection under the law and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, as provided by the Constitution of the United States.

Bias Policing:

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

We use accepted investigative tools:

Bias Policing, in and of itself, can be a useful tool to assist law enforcement personnel in carrying out their duties, to include the investigation of criminal activity and subsequent arrest, as well as asset seizure and forfeiture efforts. Bias Policing, however, is the selection of individuals based solely on a common trait of a group as defined in this order.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office does not condone and will not allow the use of biased based Bias Policing in its enforcement programs, to include investigations both instant and on-going, as well as subsequent arrest and asset seizure and forfeiture.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office personnel will focus on a person's conduct or other specific suspect information supported by articulated facts which indicate that the person is, has, or is about to commit a crime, or is presenting a threat to the safety of themselves or others.

All official agency investigations will be carried out in accordance with established policies.

Bias Policing Complaints:

Any person may file a complaint with this agency if they feel that they have been stopped, detained, or searched based solely on a Bias Policing.

No person will be discouraged, intimidated, or coerced from filing such a complaint, or discriminated against because they have filed such a complaint.

For information on this policy contact Professional Standards at:

Professional Standards
600 301 Boulevard West
Suite 202 Bradenton, FL 34205
941-747-3011 Ext 2020 or 2021

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

By mail at:
Professional Standards
Manatee County Sheriff's Office Operations Center
600 US Highway 301 Boulevard West
Bradenton, 34205