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| Guide to the Citizen Complaint Process |
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| Who Investigates the Complaint? |
| In most cases, the Watch Commander of the employee will conduct an inquiry into the alleged misconduct. In more serious allegations, the Professional Standards Unit will conduct the investigation. The Investigations Division may investigate alleged criminal conduct, with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office. A criminal investigation may commence at any point in the internal investigation process. |
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| What is the Complaint Process? |
Informal
In some instances, the person with concerns about Police Department policy or officer conduct may want the matter handled informally. In these cases a department supervisor will discuss the issue with the complainant and/or the involved officers and provide prompt feedback to the complainant. The determination of how the issue will be handled will be discussed with the complainant at the time of the call. |
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Formal
The person assigned the investigation will interview witnesses and other parties who can provide relevant information about the investigation; will review any applicable evidence; and will interview the involved police employee(s). The investigator will then complete the investigation, to include a recommended finding on the allegation of misconduct. The finding will be one of the following: |
- Sustained: The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence and shows that the employee did engage in the alleged misconduct.
- Not Sustained: There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
- Exonerated: The evidence supports the allegation, but the actions of the employee were lawful and proper.
- Unfounded: The investigation shows that the alleged act did not occur.
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| The completed investigation with findings is forwarded to the Chief of Police for his review. If the investigation into the alleged misconduct is Sustained, recommendations for discipline are requested from supervisors in the involved employee’s chain-of-command. If the investigation reveals that the employee may have committed a criminal act, the investigation will be sent to the District Attorney’s office for review. |
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| If the finding is Not Sustained, Exonerated or Unfounded, and if the Chief of Police agrees with the finding, the investigation will be reviewed with the named employee and it will be retained in departmental files as prescribed by law. |
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