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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
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