RIVIERA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bias-Free Policing in Riviera Beach

Serving with Integrity. Protecting with Respect.

A Commitment Rooted in Our Mission and Vision

The Riviera Beach Police Department’s mission is to safeguard lives and property, reduce crime, and enhance public safety while working with our diverse community to improve quality of life. Our vision challenges us to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and collaboration — ensuring equal justice for all.



Biased policing stands in direct opposition to these values.

What Is Biased Policing?

Why It Matters in Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach is a city rich with culture, history, and strength. Our residents come from many walks of life, speak many languages, and bring many perspectives. This diversity is not a challenge — it is a blessing and a responsibility.



We recognize that nationwide and historic concerns about discriminatory policing cannot be ignored. That’s why we are building trust through transparency, accountability, and honest conversation.

Message from Chief Michael Coleman

"At the Riviera Beach Police Department, we believe that trust isn’t given — it’s earned. We earn it by treating every person with fairness, by owning our mistakes, and by standing up against bias in all forms. We don’t just talk about equity — we train for it, we plan for it, and we hold ourselves accountable to it. We are here to serve every resident of Riviera Beach with honor, compassion, and integrity."
— Chief Michael Coleman

How the Riviera Beach Police Department Prevents Biased Policing

1. Training That Matters
- Annual Fair and Impartial Policing training for all officers
- Education on implicit bias, cultural awareness, and de-escalation
- Real-life scenario simulations to build empathy and readiness

2. Accountability Systems
- Supervisory review of traffic stops, detentions, and field interviews
- Body-worn camera footage reviewed for accuracy and conduct
- Audits of enforcement data to detect potential disparities

3. Community-Driven Policing
- Ongoing community listening sessions
- Partnerships with faith leaders, youth groups, and neighborhood associations
- Engagement with underserved and historically marginalized communities
- Feedback channels through our Commendation & Complaint Program

4. Transparency and Oversight
- Public access to department policies
- Independent investigation of any allegations of misconduct
- Open dialogue with residents about public safety and officer conduct

Criminal Profiling vs. Biased Policing

We want the public to understand the difference:



- Criminal profiling uses evidence-based factors (such as behavior or location) to investigate crimes — it is a legitimate investigative tool.


- Biased policing is the use of personal characteristics in place of evidence — it is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and strictly prohibited by the Riviera Beach Police Department. 

Have a Concern? Make Your Voice Heard

We are committed to listening. Whether you wish to commend an officer for outstanding service or share a concern regarding an interaction, your feedback is essential. It helps us enhance our performance, strengthen community trust, and continuously improve the quality of service we provide.

Submit a Complaint or Commendation:
• Online: https://www.rivierabch.com/candc
• In Person:
 Riviera Beach Police Department
 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
 Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
• By Phone (Non-Emergency): (561) 845-4123
• Emergency: Call 911

This Is Our Home Too

Our officers live, work, worship, and raise families in Riviera Beach. We don’t just protect this city — we are part of it. That’s why we hold ourselves to a higher standard. We want every member of the public to know:



- Your rights matter.


- Your voice matters.


- You matter.



We are committed to fair policing — not just because it’s the law, but because it’s the right thing to do.