Citizen Complaint Process

We the members of the Oro Valley Police Department are dedicated
to providing excellent service through partnerships that build trust, prevent crime and
promote a safe environment to enhance the quality of life within our community.

OUR POLICY
It is the policy of the Oro Valley Police Department to thoroughly investigate all complaints against its employees in order to preserve public confidence in our willingness to oversee and control the actions of our employees. All investigations are conducted in an impartial manner.

WHO MAY COMPLAIN?
Any citizen, regardless of age, gender or nationality, who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct, may file a complaint with the Oro Valley Police Department. The citizen need not have been personally involved to do so.

RESPONSIBILITY - Ours and Yours…
The Police Department views all citizen complaints against its employees as very serious and actively pursues investigations into misconduct. For this reason, you must ensure that your complaint is based on fact. False reporting in an attempt to unjustly subject a police employee to undeserved discipline or place his employment in jeopardy can result in criminal charges and/or a civil suit by the employee involved.

HOW DO YOU FILE A COMPLAINT?
Generally, complaints are filed through the supervisor of the employee involved. If you do not know the name of the employee involved, you may file the complaint through any police supervisor or through Internal Affairs in the Office of Professional Standards. A complaint may also be filed by mail and a supervisor will contact you.

WHO INVESTIGATES THE COMPLAINT?
Department supervisors are charged with maintaining discipline and with overseeing the conduct of employees assigned to them. A supervisor shall make every effort to resolve disputed issues, misunderstandings and procedural concerns at the initial citizen contact. If resolution is not feasible, Internal Affairs will conduct an investigation.

WHAT IS THE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE?
The investigating supervisor interviews all witnesses and parties involved. The disposition will fall into one of the following categories:
"SUSTAINED" - allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.
"NOT SUSTAINED" - insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
"EXONERATED" - the incident occurred as reported, but was lawful and proper.
"UNFOUNDED" - the allegation is false or without merit.

WHAT IS THE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS?
If a complaint is sustained, disciplinary action is taken which consists of one or more of the following progressive measures.
Counseling - corrective training to ensure the employee understands proper procedure.
Written Reprimand - a formal written disciplinary report documenting the incident is placed in the employee's file.
Suspension - the employee is suspended from duty without pay.
Demotion - the employee is reduced in rank.
Dismissal - the employee is separated from the Police Department.

WHAT WILL YOU BE TOLD?
City, state and federal personnel laws govern an employee's privacy rights. Disciplinary action is not subject to public disclosure without a court order. You will be advised of the supervisor's findings and whether disciplinary action will be taken.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU…
Courteous and professional police service, coupled with a prompt and objective response to complaints, is our commitment to the public. The Oro Valley Police Department enjoys an excellent service record and it is our hope that your contacts with our employees are positive. If not, we will endeavor to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. Of course, we would like to hear from you when we have provided you with commendable service too!