Professional Standards

Chief Steve Graham encourages each of his officers to treat the public with the utmost respect and to follow our values:

Compassion

Ensuring that others are treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity; managing our official duties in a judicious, responsible and caring manner.

Integrity

A commitment to moral principles and ethical behavior, requiring candor, honesty, and sincerity in all that we do while avoiding even the least showing of impropriety.

Leadership

Providing for uniformity of direction and action toward the organizational mission; motivating others to action through setting an example in both work ethic and conduct.

Loyalty

A commitment to the organization, to our co-workers, to the City, and to the State, over and above the commitment to any particular individual or personal agenda.

Pride

Recognizing and promoting one's sense of personal value and worth, and fostering the enrichment of that value and worth, thereby acknowledging that organizational pride emanates from the collective dignity and self-respect of others.

Professionalism

Promoting, by example, the highest standards of appearance, conduct and propriety in all that we say and do; recognizing that EACH of us must set the standard for others to follow.

Procedure to Make a Commendation or Complaint

However, there are times when the public may feel they may need to take issue with an officer's actions. As part of the process of continual improvement, Chief Graham has outlined procedures for the public to bring forth concerns regarding officers'/ employees' actions. Whether you wish to commend an officer/employee, or if you believe an officer/employee of the Winter Garden Police Department has acted improperly, you can register your commendation or complaint in any of the following ways:

  • You can speak with a supervisor by telephoning the Communications Center at 407-656-3636. Inform the communication operator of your desire to speak with a supervisor and you will be assisted.
  • You can telephone Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) at 407-656-3636, ext. Number 4054 and speak with Lieutenant James Capeletti. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours you may leave a message with a return telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible the next business day. You may also submit a commendation or complaint by fax at 407-877-0166.
  • You can make your commendation/complaint in writing directly to Professional Standards by mailing it to:
    Winter Garden Police Department
    Professional Standards
    251 W Plant Street
    Winter Garden, FL 34787
  • You can also make your commendation/complaint by emailing the Professional Standards Division 

When making a commendation/complaint via U.S. Mail or email, you are encouraged to include your mailing address and/or your telephone number so you can be contacted in the event additional information is needed.

It will also enable us to inform you of the disposition of your commendation/complaint. Thank you for taking your time to notify us about your commendation and/or complaint of an officer.