Complaint or Commendation

We are committed to providing a safe and orderly environment in our Town through professionalism, dedication, and active partnerships with the community, and concern for individual dignity.

This information has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation of the Swayzee Police Department citizen commendation and complaint process.

The mission of the department is really quite simple – to earn and protect the public trust.

The Officers of the department understand that our greatest resource and asset is the support and assistance given by the community we serve. Naturally, this relationship, or “partnership” as we think of it, with the citizens of Swayzee is something we must constantly strive to protect. This is a responsibility shared by every member of the department and it is the primary task of the citizen complaint process.

Here are some of the most common questions and concerns expressed by the public about the citizen’s commendation and complaint process.

COMMENDATIONS
When a written commendation is received, it will be documented and forwarded through the chain of command to the Town Marshal, Town Manager and Town Council. Letters of commendation from citizens are placed in the employee's file and should beposted for all department employees to view. The employees of the Swayzee Police Dept. appreciate the effort and consideration of concerned citizens who take the time to commend our employees.

HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT?
Write your complaint out, include as much information as possible, the employees name or discription, date, a discription of the incident, and your contact information. Don't forget to sign it. Mail a copy to the Town Manager, Town Council and keep a copy for your records. Complaints will be accepted from any source and should be done in writting. While the department does accept anonymous complaints, an investigation generally cannot proceed based solely on anonymous uncorroborated information, unless the allegation can be confirmed by an independent source. Preferably, complaints should be made in writting by the individual directly concerned in the allegation against the employee. The department accepts complaints made against police officers, reserves, and agents of the department. Your written complaint should include your contact information and should be signed. As part of the investigation, you may be asked to speak in front of the council, if that is the case, an appointment will be made for you, and you are free to bring with you anyone of your choosing. You will be treated courteously and need not fear any type of intimidation or other improper behavior. When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them; don’t attempt to add to or embellish your complaint, and be mindful that you will be asked specific questions regarding factual information

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I MAKE A COMPLAINT?
If the complaint is for a serious matter, such as unnecessary or excessive use of force, false arrest or violation of a specific criminal statute, the Town Marshal and/or Town Manager will investigate the complaint. Less serious matters, such as rudeness, discourtesy, and minor infractions of the rules, regulations, policies or procedures will be investigated by the employee’s immediate supervisor. Investigators then forward the findings to the Town Marshal and/or Town Manager. Based on the results, the complaint can either be sustained or not sustained. If sustained, the Town Marshal and/or Town Manager will make the final recommendation to the Town Council for the amount and type of sanction to be imposed upon the employee.

IS SOMETHING DONE ON ALL COMPLAINTS?
Yes. All complaints are initially documented on a Citizen Complaint Form and thoroughly examined and investigated consistent with departmental policy.

WHAT HAPPENDS AFTER AN INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED?
After your complaint has been investigated, you will be notified of the results. If you are dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, or the specific finding, you may ask the Town Council to review the investigation. You should also know that making a complaint in no way limits your ability or right to pursue any other complaint forums if you feel that you have been wronged.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER COMPLAINTS SUCH AS DISCOURTESY OR POOR SERVICE?
These complaints are investigated by the employee’s immediate supervisor and then forwarded for recording, review, and filing.

IS THERE ANY RISK TO ME WHEN I MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A POLICE EMPLOYEE?
No, unless you deliberately make a false complaint against an officer. In that case, you may be prosecuted criminally and/or be held civilly liable.

WILL THE POLICE REALLY BE IMPARTIAL WHEN THEY INESTIGATE THEIR OWN OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES?
Yes, the question goes right to the heart of what professional policing is all about. We strive to ensure quality performance from all our officers and employees who represent our department and the Town of Swayzee. We want the public to know that we do not tolerate misconduct. Even perceived tolerance of employee misconduct will lead to a breakdown of the public trust which would adversely effect the ability of the police department to function properly.

The task of policing today’s society is demanding and challenging. The Swayzee Police Department will continue to demand the highest standards from its employees. Realizing that it is not possible to enforce the rules of society without incurring some animosity, we will endeavor to protect our employees from unwarranted and false complaints, and protect our citizens from unwarranted and inappropriate mistreatment. Through this entire process, we will work to maintain your trust and support and develop a real working partnership with our community.

The Commendation/Complaint form can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Commendation and Compliant Form

The above form must be submitted to the Police Department. The form can be submitted in person, by mail at the above address, or by Fax at the above number.

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