The public's trust in the Police Department is directly related to the integrity and discipline of its personnel. To a great extent, the image the public has of the department is determined by the department's response to allegations of misconduct within the department. The department must not only depend upon the observation of the public, but also monitor itself with diligence. It is not only incumbent upon the individual citizen to report perceived misconduct, but to the individual employee as well. The department encourages both citizens and employees to bring forth legitimate grievances regarding misconduct by employees.
Definitions
A Formal Complaint is defined as a complaint of a serious nature, by the complainant, and is:
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An allegation of the commission of an act that would constitute a violation of the law.
2. An allegation that would indicate an act of immoral or unethical by police standards of behavior.
An Informal Complaint is defined as a complaint not signed, of a less serious nature, and is:
1. An alleged act, or failure to act, by department personnel which is contrary to written policy, procedures, directives or orders of the department.
2. A complaint about how police service is provided.
3. A general complaint regarding the issuance of citations or other acts for which no impropriety is alleged and other channels of adjudication, such as the Court is provided.
Informal complaints may be rated more seriously once the investigation is complete and reviewed by command staff.
Receipt of Complaints
Formal complaints will be completed in person using the appropriate forms. They will be signed by the complainant and witnessed by the supervisor receiving the complaint. Formal complaints will be handled as internal affairs issue and receive a complete investigation.
Supervisory personnel may take informal complaints verbally or telephonically. This level of complaint will still be investigated and documented but may be handled as a supervisory issue unless conduct of a more serious nature is revealed during the supervisor's inquiry.
Every effort shall be made to facilitate the convenient, courteous, and prompt receipt of complaints. Any employee of this department, who interferes with, discourages, or delays the making of a complaint will be subject to disciplinary action.
If it is determined that the complainant is under the influence of an intoxicant or drug, the supervisor will inform the person that the complaint will not be taken at that time and to return when they are not impaired. If the complainant is apparently suffering from a mental disorder, or displays other traits or conditions bearing on his/her creditability, the supervisor shall note such conditions on the complaint form. Any related visible marks or injuries will also be noted and photographed.
Complaints received via mail or e-mail will be forwarded directly to the Chief of Police who will determine what, if any, investigation will be conducted and by whom.
Normally, complaints will not be accepted more than thirty days after the alleged incident, with the following exceptions: (1) when the act complained of is a criminal violation, in which case the criminal statute of limitations will prevail; and (2) when the complainant can show good cause for not making the complaint earlier.