Compliments or complaints

Complaints may be initiated against a department member either in person at the Police Station, by letter, or by telephone. Complaints may be made anonymously; however, anonymous complaints can be very difficult to investigate and thus the conclusion may not be what the complainant expected.

Please be assured that complainants need not fear retaliation for filing complaints. Ensuring a thorough investigation of personnel complaints is imperative for preserving public trust in law enforcement and upholding accountability within the Department.

All complaints against Department employees are treated as confidential personnel matters. The officer has a right to know the charge made against them and the identity of the person making the allegation. If the complaint is anonymous, the officer will be advised as such. The Chief of Police is responsible for the administration of the Internal Investigations function. An investigator might be assigned to gather further information or evidence.

As a general rule, the investigation should be concluded within 30 days unless extenuating circumstances necessitate an extension.

After a thorough investigation, if it is determined that the complaint is sustained, the discipline will be determined by the seriousness of the infraction. Disciplinary actions range from oral reprimand to retraining, suspension, or, in extreme cases, termination.

If a complaint is made in good faith of truth and the officer is ultimately exonerated, the case will end. However, if it is determined that the complaint was knowingly false and intended to embarrass or discredit the officer, the complainant may be subject to criminal charges or a civil suit by the department member.