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Citizen Complaint Reporting Procedure
During this year, members of the Inglewood Police Department will arrest about
40,000 individuals on charges ranging from major felonies to minor traffic
infractions. In addition, they will serve as arbitrators in thousands of other
cases where they will be asked to resolve differences between individuals or
groups. Many times, the decisions made by the officers will restrict freedom and
liberty of individuals. Their actions may, at times, materially affect the
course of people's lives.
The Inglewood Police Department fully realizes that police involvement in these
complex and often emotionally charged situations may not always be fully
acceptable to the involved parties. Even though each decision is made after
carefully considering the facts available and the individual's rights, there
will often be those who feel they have a just complaint.
The Inglewood Police Department recognizes its obligation to listen to these
complaints and fully investigate any charges made against the Department or its
officers. In keeping with this philosophy, we have an obligation to the
community to provide them with a convenient system for registering their
complaints. To assist the concerned citizen, we are outlining the complaint
procedures with the hope that you never have to use them.
Who Can File?
Anyone who is directly involved or witnesses an incident from which a complaint
arises. In the case of juveniles, it is desirable, but not necessary, that the
parents be present. However, it is the Department's policy to notify the
parent(s) of the juvenile whenever a complaint is accepted.
Whom Does One Contact?
Complaints should be made to the officer's immediate supervisor, to the on-duty
Watch Commander, or to the Internal Affairs Division.
How Can a Complaint Be Filed?
A complaint may be filed by personally contacting the Police Department and
furnishing complete details of the incident, as well as the names of all
witnesses or parties involved. The complainant will be requested to write a
statement in his/her own handwriting and sign the statement. You will be
provided with a copy of your statements for your own record.
While personal contact is desirable, initial complaints may be made by telephone
or letter. However, it will be necessary for the complainant to make a written
statement and remain available to the investigator for a personal interview.
Acceptance of Complaint
It is the policy of the Department that all complaints against the Department or
its officers will be accepted, documented, and investigated by a responsible
authority.
Who Will Investigate the Complaint?
It is the decision of the Chief of Police to assign the investigation to the
officer's immediate supervisor, the on-duty Watch Commander or, in more serious
cases, the Internal Affairs Division.
How Thorough Will the Investigation Be?
Our objective is to complete a thorough and impartial investigation which
discloses the truth. Every effort will be expended to satisfactorily conclude
the investigation. This includes referring the complaint to an outside
investigative agency such as the District Attorney's Office when necessary.
Who Makes The Final Decision?
The Chief of Police, after reviewing all of the facts, makes the final decision
on the validity of the complaint, and when appropriate, the discipline to be
administered. The Chief will rely on the investigative results, as well as
recommendations furnished by the affected employees's immediate supervisor and
Division Commanding Officer.
What Can Happen to the Officer?
If the complaint is valid, the discipline may range from written reprimand to
dismissal. If the officer's conduct was criminal in nature, the matter is
referred to the District Attorney's Office.
What Can Happen to the Complaining Party?
There are no repercussions as long as the complainant is truthful in regard to
the allegations. Those who make false and malicious accusations are subject to
prosecution.
Where there are allegations of criminal conduct on the part of the officer, a
false report may constitute a crime. Where allegations are found to be
defamatory against the officer's character or reputation, he or she has recourse
to pursue civil action.
What about Notification?
By law, the results of police personnel investigations are confidential and
cannot be disclosed to the public. However, when the investigation is concluded,
you will be notified that the investigation of the disposition of the matter.
If Dissatisfied with the Results, What Can Be Done?
If you, as the complainant, feel that your case has not been thoroughly
investigated and justice has not been served, you have several options. You may
contact your representative in the City Council, the City Administrator or, in
some cases, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office or Grand Jury.
Further Information
Any further information relative to the complaint process may be directed to
Internal Affairs Division, (310) 412-5318.
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