What policies does the Sheriff’s Office have regarding biased policing?

It is the policy of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office to patrol in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws.  It is also the policy 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 of the law.  It is this proactive enforcement that keeps our citizens, our streets, and our highways safer.  It also enables us in detecting and apprehending criminals. All laws shall be enforced equally, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sex, physical handicap, or religion, and biased policing shall not be tolerated in enforcement efforts. This standard is established in accordance with Florida State Statute 30.15.  SJSO policies prohibit biased policing, and members are responsible for ensuring that all citizens of the community are treated with dignity and respect.  All sworn SJSO members receive initial and in-service training in proactive enforcement tactics.  In addition, biased policing issues, including the legal aspects, are also provided during this in-service training.  All training is in accordance with the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements.