FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

All complaints are kept confidential and are not subject to public disclosure prior to the completion of the investigation. Once completed, you can obtain a copy by submitting a Public Records request via the High Springs Police Department Records Section. Per Florida State Statute Chapter 119, there may be a charge for copying these documents. How will an investigation be classified? The results of all complaints are called findings and there are five classifications:

  1. Unfounded: The act of acts complained of did not occur or did not involve High Springs Police Department Members.
  2. No Conclusion: Insufficient evidence to clearly prove the allegation/complaint. • Sustained: The preponderance of evidence clearly proves the allegation/complaint. Guilty as charged. • Not Sustained: The Member’s actions were justified, lawful, or in accordance with Standard Operation Procedure. Not guilty.
  3. Withdrawn: The complainant retracted the allegation(s) through either a verbal or written statement. If the complaint is sustained, what type of corrective action/discipline will the Member receive? Correction Action/Discipline for violation of Departmental Policies can result in the following outcomes:
    • Verbal Counseling
    • Remedial Training
    • Written Reprimand
    • Suspension from Duty Without Pay
    • Demotion (Ranking Members)

The High Springs Police Department has created a Complaint Brochure to inform High Springs residents and visitors of the process of making a complaint.

The brochures are also available at the Police Department Headquarters.

The average investigation takes from 30 days to 6 months to complete. This would depend on the complexity of the case, the availability of witnesses, and the involvement of other agencies, such as the State Attorney’s Office.

Members of the High Springs Police Department make every effort to perform their duties in a fair, competent, and professional manner. Many members surpass the expectations of the public by providing exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty. If you observe a High Springs Police Department Member performing their duties in a manner you think is exceptional, then we encourage you to take a moment and tell us about it.

Our Members take great pride in being recognized by Members of the public when they have performed their duties in an exceptional manner. Positive citizen commendations improve Member morale and encourage all Members to work harder to improve their individual performance and the quality of the services they provide to the public. If you would like to tell us about the exceptional service that you received, or you observed being done for someone else, you may choose to complete the Citizen Commendation/Complaint Form or write to the Chief of Police at the address provided above. Please accept our sincere gratitude for sharing your experience with us!

No, unless you deliberately make a false complaint against any Police Department Member, then you may be prosecuted criminally and/or be held civilly liable.

Please read: It is against Florida law to knowingly make a false complaint against any Member of the High Springs Police Department. Florida State Statute 837.06 reads as follows: “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.” What rights do Police Officers have when a complaint is made against them? Officers are protected by the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights pursuant to Florida State Statute Chapter 112 and their Collective Bargaining Agreement. Both provide that the Officer shall not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or threats from Supervisors. Officers have a right to counsel or union representation during the investigation.