All citizen complaints, whether through an identified or anonymous complainant, regarding the Piqua Police Department or one of its officers will be thoroughly investigated. The investigation may be either an inquiry or a formal investigation of an allegation of misconduct, depending on the type and severity of the allegations made. Minor infractions of policies, procedures or rules may be handled at the Watch Commander level through counseling, training or admonishment. Attempts to resolve your complaint informally can be made by the Watch Commander with the approval of the appropriate Bureau Commander.

Allegations of misconduct would include such things as alleged criminal behavior, or alleged serious violation of Department Policy, Rules, or Standards of Conduct. These will be documented and handled more formally through the Internal Affairs function. If sustained, these allegations could result in a member’s discipline up to and including suspension, demotion, or termination.

Any supervisor of the Department may take the initial information for a complaint. Complaints should be made in person to a supervisor and the complainant will be asked to sign the form and provide a number at which the investigating officers may contact them. Depending on the circumstances and information you provide, you may be contacted again for additional information.

If a complainant files a complaint that could cause an officer to be disciplined to an extent of being suspended, demoted or terminated, the complainant may be asked to take a truth verification exam at the expense of the department. The complainant may also be asked to testify at the Administrative Hearing to determine the fate of the officer or employee.

If the complainant is unwilling to sign the form or makes the complaint by telephone and is unwilling to file a report, the complaint will be handled in the same manner as other complaints and thoroughly investigated by a supervisor.

Generally, supervisors have a maximum of 30 days to conclude and investigation unless that time is extended by the Chief of Police because of extenuating circumstances. If necessary, a complainant may be contacted sometime during the investigation to be given an update of its progress. The officer or employee(s) concerned will be informed of the substance of the complaint unless to do so would prejudice the investigation.

Upon completion of the investigation and determination of the appropriate action, your will be notified of the results of the investigation. If a Watch Commander handled the complaint, you may be contacted directly by the Watch Commander with the findings. If the complaint was handled as a formal investigation, the Bureau Commander will recommend to the Chief of Police one of several alternative findings based on the provable facts of the investigation. These alternatives include.

Not sustained - There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.
Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence and the action violates either Department Policy or Standards of Conduct, or criminal law.
Unfounded -The allegation as made is false and did not occur.
Exonerated - The act alleged did occur, but the officer's actions were legal and proper.
Policy failure - The officer’s actions were in accordance with policy, but there is some flaw in the policy that permitted the actions.
Withdrawn - The complainant has withdrawn the complaint, and no further investigation or action is to be taken.
Misconduct not based on complaint - Investigation into the complaint reveals other actions that would be a violation of Policy, Standards of Conduct, or law, but these actions were not a part of the original complaint.

The Chief of Police will, after review of the investigation and supervisory recommendations, make the final determination and then direct the action to be taken, if necessary. This is the point in time when you will be notified of the outcome of the complaint.

The Department’s Policies and Procedures concerning the Internal Affairs function are available to the public upon request. Ask for a copy of Chapter 52 of the Department’s General Orders Manual. Any questions concerns, or clarification regarding the citizen complaint procedures of the Piqua Police Department may be directed to:

Police Chief Wayne R. Willcox, CLEE
Piqua Police Department
100 N. Wayne Street
Piqua, OH  45356
Monday - Friday  8:00AM - 5:00PM
Fax (937) 778-5124
e-mail  Police Services