15.100 Complaint Investigation & Resolution

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Questions and Answers

What is a key responsibility of the investigating supervisor when addressing an allegation of excessive force?

Making a determination of mental competency of the complainant.

Ensuring all participants are present during the investigation. (correct)

Conducting a preliminary investigation alone.

Completing a Form 648 without attaching any photographs.

What information is required to be documented about the complainant during the investigation?

Visible marks or injuries on the complainant. (correct)

Medical history of the complainant.

Witnesses' opinions about the complainant.

Their previous complaints made to the department.

What should not be included in the copy of the documentation given to the complainant?

Information on the investigation process.

Details of the complaint from the party involved.

Written observations of the receiving employee. (correct)

Physical condition assessment of the complainant.

Which of the following forms is primarily used to summarize the investigation of a complaint?

Form 17. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if photographs of injuries are taken during an investigation?

Label them with the complainant’s name and photographic date. Signup and view all the answers

Which unit is NOT required to receive notification when submitting the investigation documents?

Community Relations Department. Signup and view all the answers

When documenting the complainant’s condition, what is crucial to avoid including in notes?

Impressions about their mental state. Signup and view all the answers

What documentation should be completed by the supervisor if a complaint involves alleged excessive force?

Both Form 648 and Form 17. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the investigating supervisor play in the management of a complaint?

They are responsible for documenting the findings and taking action based on the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

How should a complaint resolution meeting be structured according to the guidelines?

Only the complainant, involved Department member, and investigating supervisor/facilitator should attend. Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if the investigation reveals that a complaint is not suitable for a resolution meeting?

The information should be forwarded to the district/section/unit commander for referral to IIS. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Connected Language Services (CLS) during a complaint resolution meeting?

To provide qualified interpretation for participants who are deaf or have limited English proficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What is documented on the Form 648B in the ETS?

The findings from the investigation and the final disposition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT allowed during a resolution meeting?

The involvement of external witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a member's conduct is not consistent with Department standards post-investigation?

Provide verbal counseling or counseling via the Evaluation Supplement Log. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should separate resolution meetings be conducted?

If there is more than one complainant and multiple officers involved. Signup and view all the answers

What should a supervisor do if more force than necessary appears to have been used?

Contact the IIS Commander and the officer’s district/section/unit commander. Signup and view all the answers

Which form must be forwarded by 0800 hours the day after a citizen complaint?

Form 648 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the supervisor assigned to a complaint under the CCRP?

To resolve the complaint and relay recommendations to the Police Chief. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation should the investigating supervisor utilize the TRS system?

For complaints marked as 'TRS' to contact the complainant. Signup and view all the answers

What documentation needs to be forwarded to IIS for complaints not eligible for CCRP?

Form 648 along with all pertinent documentation. Signup and view all the answers

When a complaint involves a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individual, what should the supervisor refer to?

Procedure 18.103 if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which sources should the investigating supervisor examine when investigating allegations?

MDC information, BWC videos, and relevant law, policy, and procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for complaints eligible under the Citizen's Complaint Resolution Process (CCRP)?

Original Form 648 and all pertinent documentation must be retained by the affected district/section/unit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Complaint Investigation & Resolution

Investigators must avoid leading questions that suggest legal justification for an officer’s conduct if it contradicts proper law enforcement practices.
Depending on the investigation, the supervisor will take action:
- Determine if the officer's conduct aligns with Department policy, procedure, and practice.
- Document findings using Form 648B, Resolution Disposition, in ETS.
- Offer verbal or written counseling if the conduct falls short of Department standards, documenting it in the Evaluation Supplement Log (ESL).
- Conduct a resolution meeting with the complainant and the involved officer.
- Use Connected Language Services (CLS) for deaf, hearing impaired, or limited English proficient complainants.

### Resolution Meeting Guidance

Only the complainant, officer, and investigating supervisor/facilitator are allowed in the meeting.
The meeting is an effort to resolve the issue, and will not be recorded.

### Complaint Investigation Documentation

The investigator will document:
- All allegations, identifying principals and witnesses.
- Addresses and phone numbers of all involved parties.
- The complainant's physical condition and demeanor, including reasons for suspecting intoxication or drug influence, but not their mental competency or truthfulness.
- Other traits or conditions that may influence the allegation or investigation.
- Visible marks, injuries, or damage to clothing, taking photographs with clear labels.

### Use of Force Investigation

When excessive force is alleged, the investigating supervisor will complete a Form 648 in ETS.
The supervisor will investigate the complaint thoroughly while all participants are present.
A Form 17 summarizing the investigation, and both forms will be attached to the Investigation Report case folder for use of force in ETS.
The forms (Form 17, Form 18F, Supervisor’s Use of Force Investigation Report, and Form 648) will be sent for review through the chain of command.
When submitting the documents, notification will be added for Internal Investigations Section, Patrol Administration, and Inspections Section.
In cases of excessive force, or injuries inconsistent with reported force, a report will be made to the IIS Commander and the officer’s commanding officer.
The affected bureau commander will send the forms to IIS for investigative review and approval by the Police Chief.

### Citizen Complaint Form Processing

The completed Form 648 will be sent to the affected district/section/unit commander by 0800 hours on the next day, including all related documents, photographs, recorded interviews, and BWC video links.
Complaints eligible for the Citizen Complaint Resolution Process (CCRP) will be retained by the affected district/section/unit with all documentation. Notification will be sent to IIS for tracking purposes.
For complaints not eligible, all documentation is sent to IIS.

### Citizen Complaint Assignment & Investigation

The assigned supervisor will resolve CCRP-eligible complaints, relaying any issues or needs to the Police Chief.
Non-CCRP complaints are forwarded to IIS and resolved per IIS Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
For complaints marked as “TRS,” the investigating supervisor will use the TRS by dialing 711 to contact the complainant regarding telecommunications relay services.
For complaints marked as “LEP,” refer to procedure 18.103, if necessary.

### Citizen Complaint Resolution Process

The investigating supervisor thoroughly investigates all allegations.
All relevant sources of information are examined, including:
- The complainant, witnesses, involved officers and witness officers.
- Worksheets, MDC information, BWC videos, offense reports, relevant law, policy, and procedure.

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Description

This quiz explores the procedures and guidelines for conducting complaint investigations in law enforcement. Participants will learn about documenting findings, conducting resolution meetings, and ensuring appropriate communication services for complainants. It is designed for those involved in the oversight and resolution of complaints against officers.