The police officer today in every community is a symbol not only of the law, but also of the entire establishment.  Because of this, they are the obvious target for grievances against any shortcomings of our governmental system.  THE POLICE OFFICER CAN SOLVE THE COMPLEX PROBLEMS OF A COMMUNITY ONLY WHEN WORKING IN CONCERT WITH AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY.  The police can, and must, however, recognize their responsibility to serve all the public to the best of their ability.  FAIR AND IMPARTIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WHICH RESPECTS THE INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY OF ALL INDIVIDUALS IS ESSENTIAL and must be accomplished with tact and diplomacy whenever possible.  Force is used only when necessary and only in the amount of force that is legally appropriate.

As police officers, we must professionally and objectively investigate all citizen complaints as expeditiously as possible in order to arrive at all the facts which will quickly clear the officer's name or substantiate the citizen's complaint, based upon the facts of the case.

DOES THAT MEAN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS COMPLAINTS?"
Of course not.  But we do want to know when our service needs to be improved or corrected.

WHO WOULD INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINT?"
Your complaint will be investigated by either the Chief of Police or the Administrative Commander.

WELL THEN, WHO SHOULD I GO TO FIRST?"
You should take a complaint to his Supervisor.  If he is not there, ask for the on-duty Supervisor.

BUT I WANT TO TAKE THIS ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP.  I WANT THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO KNOW!"
He will!  The Chief of Police gets copies of all complaints against officers.  Each of the Officer's superiors are notified as well.

DO I HAVE TO COMPLAIN IN PERSON?"
We do prefer to talk to you in person as the matter may be a minor misunderstanding, but we will accept a complaint by letter if necessary.  It will not make any difference in the attention we give it. 

I'M UNDER 18.  DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN?"
Yes.  Just bring one of your parents, guardians or a responsible adult in with you.

WILL I HAVE TO WRITE MY COMPLAINT OUT?"
We have found it is much easier to investigate a written compliant so we prefer them that way.  If for some valid reason this cannot be done, we will make other arrangements.

HOW CLOSE WILL YOU REALLY INVESTIGATE?"
Very closely!  We want to find out where we went wrong.  By the same measure, if a person makes a FALSE complaints, we also want to find that out and take the appropriate legal action.

DOES THAT MEAN I COULD GET IN TROUBLE FOR COMPLAINING?"
No, not if what you are telling us is the truth.  We are only interested in those who make malicious, false allegations about people.  We would not (and could not) bring charges against a person who has acted in good faith.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE OFFICER?"
That will depend on what he did.  If his actions were criminal, he will be dealt with like any other citizen.  If the actions were improper, but not criminal, the final disposition of the complaint will be made by the Chief of Police.

WILL I BE TOLD HOW THE COMPLAINT CAME OUT?"
Yes.  You will be notified in writing by the Administrative Commander.

WHAT ABOUT THE LIE DETECTOR?"
In certain cases, where we cannot find the truth any other way, you may be asked to take a polygraph examination.