The Complaint Process

Once a complaint is received, the officer/employee is notified in writing, and;

1. Receives a copy of the complaint
2. Is required to cooperate in the investigation including providing a written response to the allegations
3. Is required, if the case warrants, to take a polygraph examination, but only after the complainant has been requested and has taken a polygraph examination

Polygraphs

During the course of the investigation, the complainant may be requested to submit to a polygraph. Submission is voluntary; however, an officer cannot be required to take a polygraph unless the complainant does so.

Disposition

For each allegation, the chief of police will consider the totality of the circumstances, including the results of any internal investigation, before determining the disposition of the complaint. Results are classified as follows:

• Exonerated - The alleged act occurred, but was justified, lawful, and/or proper
• Not sustained - There is insufficient evidence to either support the allegation or fully exonerate the employee
• Sustained - There is sufficient evidence to establish that the act occurred and that it constituted misconduct
• Unfounded - The alleged act did not occur, did not involve department personnel, or the allegation was frivolous

When a complaint is sustained, the Police Department may take disciplinary action against the employee consisting of one or more of the following:

• Additional training
• Counseling
• Education
• Letter of Warning
• Written Reprimand
• Disciplinary Suspension
• Indefinate Suspension
• Terminiation

If, during the course of a disciplinary investigation, it is determined that an employee may have committed a criminal offense, the case will be refered to the appropriate criminal prosecutor for review.