Police Department Complaints Process

Questions and Answers

What should be done if a complainant is under the influence of an intoxicant?

The complainant should be denied the right to file a complaint.

An investigation must begin immediately.

The complaint must be filed immediately.

The conditions should be noted on a separate sheet. (correct)

Where can a complainant submit their completed report if they can't do it at the police facility?

They cannot submit the report elsewhere.

Only by mail to the police department.

Only at the main police station.

At any police station or approved location listed online. (correct)

What should follow the member's observations on the separate sheet of paper?

An approval from a supervisor.

A signature of the member making the notations. (correct)

A copy of the complaint form.

A recommendation for further action.

What type of condition must be described regarding the complainant?

Physical signs of impairment and visible injuries. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a complaint is resolved satisfactorily?

A Resolved Complaint Form must be completed. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen before notations are made on the separate sheet of paper?

The complainant must sign the Complaint Form. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the interview conducted by a commander or supervisor?

To determine if the complaint can be resolved without a formal investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is NOT included in the copy of the Complaint Form provided to the complainant?

Observations made by the receiving member. Signup and view all the answers

What must a parent or legal guardian do when an individual under seventeen is involved in an incident?

Accompany the individual and sign the Complaint Report Form Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the acceptance of complaints at police facilities?

Complaints can be made at any police facility irrespective of the occurrence location Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for a paper form Complaint Report to be investigated?

It must be signed and verified by the complainant Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a complainant refuses to sign the Complaint Form?

The commander will note 'refused to sign' and the OCC will follow up Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be included in the complaint description?

The date, time, and location of the occurrence Signup and view all the answers

What form option does not require notarization for the complaint process?

Online Complaint Form submitted to the OCC Office Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of submitting an unverified paper Complaint Form?

It will not be investigated Signup and view all the answers

Who will be listed as a co-complainant in an incident involving a minor?

The parent or legal guardian of the minor Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition might a member be required to take a polygraph examination?

If the complainant passes a polygraph exam and other reasonable factors exist. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Chief play in the process of recommending a polygraph examination for a member?

The Chief decides whether to direct the Polygraph Section to schedule the examination. Signup and view all the answers

If the Chief disagrees with the recommendation for a polygraph examination, what must they do?

Provide reasons for their disagreement to the Executive Director. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Executive Director continues to recommend a polygraph examination after the Chief's disagreement?

The matter is reviewed by the Secretary/Attorney and a resolution is mediated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum notice period a member will receive before a scheduled polygraph examination?

48 hours Signup and view all the answers

What may constitute reasonable factors supporting a polygraph examination?

Material inconsistencies or witness statements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step that must occur before a member can be directed to submit to a polygraph examination?

The complainant must first submit to a polygraph exam. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a complainant's polygraph examination supports their allegations?

The OCC will recommend that the member also undergo a polygraph examination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Department regarding complaints?

To investigate all complaints referred by the OCC in a timely manner. Signup and view all the answers

What must members do when requested by an individual?

Identify themselves by name and badge or serial number. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the final authority to impose discipline for formal complaints?

The Chief of Police. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for submitting a complaint?

The individual must be at least seventeen years old or provide court documentation if younger. Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited during the complaint process?

Use of recording devices, including cellular phones. Signup and view all the answers

What opportunity is provided to members facing a complaint?

To respond to the allegations of any complaint against them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals has the right to file a complaint?

Individuals seventeen years of age or older personally involved in the incident. Signup and view all the answers

When are complaints processed?

In a timely and impartial manner. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Chief disagrees with the OCC's recommendation?

The Chief can propose written suggestions within thirty days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step if the Executive Director agrees with the Chief's recommendation?

A revised recommendation will be prepared and forwarded to the Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Who receives a final copy of the Summary of Analysis?

The Chief, Board members, and the Secretary/Attorney. Signup and view all the answers

If additional information is needed, to which entity is the file returned?

The Polygraph Section. Signup and view all the answers

What is the timeframe for presenting the Summary of Analysis to the Chief and/or Board?

Within forty-five calendar days. Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance does a recommendation from the OCC become a final determination?

If the Chief agrees with the recommendation. Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the files forwarded to the Chief post-investigation?

The original IAU investigative file and Summary of Analysis. Signup and view all the answers

If the Executive Director does not agree with the Chief's recommendation, what happens next?

The OCC forwards the Chief’s recommendation to the Secretary/Attorney. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Complaints Process Overview

Members should consult the current Memorandums of Agreement with Fraternal Order of Police Lodges 99 and 102 for details.
The Department is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and forwarding complaints to the OCC and conducting investigations through the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU).
All complaints must be processed timely and impartially.

Member Responsibilities

Members must identify themselves by name and badge/serial number upon request.
They are entitled to respond to allegations made against them.
Members should avoid unnecessary contact with complainants.

Recording Devices Policy

Use of any recording devices (including phones) by members, complainants, or third parties is prohibited during formal statements and complaint reviews.

Authority and Discipline

The Chief of Police holds final authority over disciplinary actions resulting from OCC-referred complaints.

Filing Complaints

Complaints can be filed by:
- Individuals aged 17 or older involved in the incident.
- Certified juveniles under 17 who have legal documentation.
- Parents/legal guardians of individuals under 17, who must accompany and co-sign the Complaint Report Form.
Complaints can be accepted at any police facility, irrespective of the occurrence's location.

Complaint Form Completion

The complaint process initiates with filling out the Complaint Form, available online or in paper.
Paper forms must be signed and verified following Missouri Revised Statutes for investigation; unverified complaints will not be processed.
Complaints must detail the incident's date, time, and location.

Complainant Credibility Assessment

Staff must record observations if the complainant shows signs of intoxication, mental distress, or other credibility issues.
Documentation of physical condition and injuries related to the complaint must be included.

Resolution Process

A supervisor may attempt to resolve the complaint informally; if successful, a Resolved Complaint Form will be filed.
Members generally are not required to take a polygraph unless the complainant has passed one and inconsistencies warrant further investigation.

Polygraph Examination Procedures

Examinations of members are scheduled via Chief's Office communication, with at least 48 hours' notice.
Results are to be sent to the Chief alongside the complaint file.

Investigation and Reporting

After investigations, the OCC may seek additional information if necessary.
A final Summary of Analysis, with OCC letters, must be presented to the Chief/Board within 45 days post-investigation.

Chief's Recommendations and Final Determination

If the Chief agrees with OCC recommendations, they become final.
If disagreed upon, the Chief can provide written feedback to the OCC within 30 days for reconsideration.
Following discussions, adjusted recommendations may be prepared and forwarded to the Chief for final determination.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedural steps that the police department must follow when handling complaints. It focuses on the roles of various units, including the Internal Affairs Unit and the Office of Community Complaints. Test your knowledge of these important processes.