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| Guide to the Citizen Complaint Process |
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| Our Policy |
| It is the policy of the Santa Clara Police Department to thoroughly investigate all complaints against its employees. To insure the integrity of the Police Department, procedures have been established which will assure the prompt and thorough investigation of all alleged or suspected personnel misconduct. Such procedures are intended to clear the innocent, establish guilt of wrongdoers, facilitate prompt and just disciplinary action, and uncover improper procedures. |
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| Who May Make a Complaint? |
| Any person who has experienced, witnessed, or has knowledge of police employee misconduct, may make a complaint. Complaints can be made by community members, co-workers and other city employees. The Santa Clara Police Department will investigate complaints made for alleged violations of Department Policy; of local, state and federal laws; and for other conduct that is deemed inappropriate. |
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| How Do You File a Complaint? |
| A complaint may be made in person, by telephone, in writing, or by e-mail. Although the investigation is enhanced when the complainant is known, a complaint may be made anonymously and will still be investigated. |
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| Complaints are usually received by the Watch Commander on duty, the supervisor of the involved employee, or by the Professional Standards Unit. A person who wants to make a complaint may contact any police employee for assistance in making contact with an officer who will receive their complaint. |
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| It is important that the complainant provide as much information as possible about the event in question to aid in a thorough, accurate and timely investigation. At a minimum, the complainant will need to provide the approximate date and time of the incident, the location of the incident, and the name of the officer or officers involved (if known). The name or names of other involved persons or potential witnesses, and the report numbers of any associated police reports would also be helpful. |
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| The complainant needs to provide a summary of the events in question and needs to specify the reason for the complaint. With the exception of anonymous complaints, follow-up contact may be made with the complainant to clarify points during the investigation. Each complainant will be advised of the consequences for knowingly filing a false allegation of misconduct. |
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