Citizen Complaint Procedures

                                                      CITIZEN COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

The Millstadt Police Department is a proactive agency that responds to various calls for service and attempts to deter crime and create a safe environment for our citizens and visitors by conducting traffic stops.  Despite the large number of contacts and arrests, a relatively small number of complaints are generated against our police officers. Sometimes the situation is simply informational where a citizen does not understand the laws involved, police powers or procedures. If the complaint involves an employee's demeanor or actions such as misconduct or use of force, an investigation will be conducted. Millstadt Police employees are held to the highest standards of ethical conduct. We investigate every complaint thoroughly. When discipline is warranted, proper action is taken.

Any citizen can file a complaint with the Millstadt Police Department. A citizen can file a complaint by contacting the Millstadt Police Department. Anyone filing a complaint against a Millstadt Police Officer must have the complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. Therefore, all complaints against department members must be notarized.  When an Illinois Peace officer is the subject of an investigation which could result in discipline, the officer is afforded certain rights under the Illinois Uniform Peace Officer’s Disciplinary Act 50 ILCS 725/1 and 50 ILCS 725/2. An officer who receives discipline at the conclusion of a complaint investigation may have rights to an appeal. No anonymous complaint will be the sole basis for taking disciplinary action against an officer.


Once the complaint is lodged in person, by letter, telephone, or pamphlet, it is assigned to a ranking officer by the Chief of Police, or may be investigated by the Chief of Police.  If you have a complaint against a Millstadt Police Department employee you may write a letter, telephone, or fill out this form. If your complaint concerns a summons or infractions ticket, you should keep in mind that the forum for any defense is the courtroom. The back of the summons or ticket will explain your options and how to go about getting your day in court. If your complaint is about the employee's actions or attitude and you wish to make a formal complaint, follow these procedures.

  1. The officer assigned the investigation will contact the complainant to clarify the complaint and make arrangements for a sworn complaint statement to be obtained. 
  2. Once the complainant's statement is obtained, the Investigating officer will obtain a statement from the officer(s) in question.
  3. The investigating officer will then objectively seek out additional evidence, such as witness statements or physical evidence to prove or disprove any statement obtained.
  4. The investigating officer will prepare a report to the Chief of Police that includes the complaint, all the facts of the investigation, statements, conclusion, and recommendation.
  5. The Chief of Police will make the decision as to disposition based upon the analysis of the investigating officer's report, the investigating officer's recommendation, and any other facts or circumstance which may apply to the disposition finding.

DISPOSITION OF PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS

  1. Unfounded: When there is sufficient evidence to prove that the complaint or incident is false or not factual and did not occur.
  2. Exonerated: When there is sufficient evidence which indicates that an act or incident did occur. But the employee's actions were justified, lawful, and proper.
  3. Not Sustained: When the investigation discloses that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint or fully exonerate the employee.
  4. Sustained: When the investigation discloses sufficient evidence to establish that the act occurred and that it constituted misconduct.                                                                                                                                                            
  1. The attached form should be filled in to initiate a citizen's complaint and a subsequent internal investigation. With your contact information we will be able to reach you in case we have any questions.

When the investigation into a complaint is concluded, the complainant will be notified by letter of the findings. The letter will not specify the exact nature of the disposition, but it will indicate whether the employee's actions were found to be appropriate or inappropriate. If there is disciplinary action of any sort, the letter will state appropriate corrective measures are being taken.

 

 

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