George West Police Department > Citizen Compliant & Commendations Process HOW CITIZENS CAN FILE COMPLAINTS OR COMMENDATIONS ON GEORGE WEST POLICE OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES AND HOW THOSE COMPLAINTS AND COMMENDATIONS ARE HANDLED. THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR COMPLAINT Police Officers must be free to exercise their best judgment and initiate proper action in a reasonable, lawful, impartial manner, without fear of reprisal. At the same time, they must observe the rights of all people. The complaint process and appropriate disciplinary procedures not only subject agency members to corrective action when they conduct themselves improperly, the guidelines also protect them from unwarranted criticism when they discharge their duties properly. A disagreement over the validity of a traffic citation is not a complaint. Such disagreements should be directed to the court that has jurisdiction in the matter. The Police Department realizes that confusion, different perceptions, or the timeliness of information sometimes will result in descriptions that produce different versions of the same incident. However, many complaints can be explained satisfactorily by a visit or telephone calls to the employee's supervisor, usually the Sergeant will talk with you about your complaint and try to resolve it. The Chief of Police is usually available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.—5 p.m. to discuss your complaint about any member of the department. There are two classes of complaints. The first and most serious, a Formal complaint alleges the violation of a law or such other serious allegations as excessive force (being hit, slapped, kicked, or struck by an object) causing pain or visible signs of bodily injury. The second class, an Administrative complaint includes allegations of a less serious nature and may concern violations of departmental policy. Either class of complaints may be lodged as a Formal or Informal Complaint. The Formal Complaint must be in writing, signed by the complainant. The Information Complaint may be written or oral. All complaints will be dealt with in the same manner. Formal Complaints will be responded to in writing once the investigation is completed. Unfounded: the investigation determined the act or acts complained of did not occur. Exonerated: the investigation revealed that the act or acts complained of occurred but were justified, lawful and proper. Inconclusive: the investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation. Sustained: the investigation disclosed a preponderance of evidence in support of the allegation made in the complaint. Sustained allegations could result in additional training, counseling, written reprimand, suspension or termination. Although employees named in a complaint will at some point be required to respond to the specific allegations, they are not permitted access to cases under investigation. Complainants need not be concerned that they will be subject to retribution for legitimately stating a complaint because procedures are in place to prevent this. Complainants who have current criminal or traffic charges pending should be aware that the internal review process deals solely with department police matters and the conduct of agency employees. Regardless of the outcome of an internal investigation, existing criminal or traffic charges must be dealt with through the proper courts. Complimenting an Employee If an Officer or Employee of the George West Police Department provides services that you feel they should be commended for, please write the Chief a letter or note to that effect, giving your feelings on what the Officer or Employee has done that deserves commendation. The Chief will see that it gets to the employee and that a copy is placed in the employee's personnel file. This boosts their morale and encourages them and all other Officers and Employees of the Department to be more positive about themselves and the service they provide. We are proud of the good relationship we share with the community. MISSION VISION VALUES |
