Dispositions

Complaint Classifications

Any complaint can be made anonymously without giving your name. However, you cannot be informed of the internal review's results if you choose to remain anonymous. After a thorough investigation, the complaint will be classified into one of the following dispositions:

• Unfounded: Incident did not occur, or affected employee was not involved
• Exonerated: Incident occurred, but actions taken were lawful and proper
• NotSustained: Insufficient evidence exists to prove the allegation
• Sustained: Evidence is sufficient to prove the allegation
• Violation Not Related: Investigation reveals a violation not related to the allegation raised in the complaint

Sustained allegations could result in additional training, counseling, written reprimand, suspension or termination.

Following Proper Procedures

Although employees named in a complaint will, at some point, be required to respond to the specific allegation, they are not permitted access to cases under investigation. Complainants need not be concerned that they will be subject to retribution for legitimately stating a complaint because procedures are in place to prevent this.

Complainants who have current criminal or traffic charges pending should be aware that the internal review process deals solely with department police matters and the conduct of agency employees. Regardless of the outcome of an internal investigation, existing criminal or traffic charges must be dealt with through the proper courts.