OFFICE OF THE CHIEF: OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Internal Affairs

The Bradenton Police Department is committed to providing excellent service to all City residents. To further our mission, “Professionalism Through Continuous Improvement,” we welcome feedback on the quality of services provided by officers and civilian personnel. To file a complaint or express concern regarding the Bradenton Police Department or a particular employee, contact the Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant Dennis Stahley at dennis.stahley@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9329. To commend or compliment the Bradenton Police Department or an employee, contact Elba Viruet at elba.viruet@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9357.

Training Unit

Training techniques, technology, and legal guidelines are constantly evolving, and our personnel continually attend classes locally and abroad from certified subject matter experts. The Bradenton Police Department strives to educate officers and civilian employees on updated federal, state, and legal guidelines. In 2022, employees attended more than 9,400 hours of online, in-person, and in-the-field training. 

Legal Unit

The Legal Unit provides counsel to the Chief and the Department, ensuring the Department stays apprised of current legal issues, statutory changes, and case law of significance to law enforcement. Forfeiture is a key component in the Legal Unit. This decreases crime by depriving a criminal of property used to commit an offense or acquired through illegal activity.

Accreditation Unit

Complying with the professional standards set forth by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation ensures that our community receives the highest level of professionalism and proactive law enforcement services and inspires public confidence in BPD. The Accreditation Unit is responsible for maintaining files that prove the Department’s compliance with the Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation. The accreditation process is an ongoing operation that requires constant monitoring and periodic updating of policies and procedures for continued standards compliance. The agency was initially accredited in October 2018, and successfully re-accredited in October 2021.