POLICE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT

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Commendation

Complaint

Chief's Message

FILING A COMPLAINT

Forms and Downloads

Commendation/Complaint Process Brochure (PDF)
Commendation/Complaint Process Brochure (PDF - Spanish)
On-line Commendation/Complaint Form
On-line Commendation/Complaint Form  (Spanish)
Commendation/Complaint Form (PDF)
Commendation/Complaint Form (PDF - Spanish)

Protecting Your Rights
The Peoria Police Department takes its responsibility and commitment to citizens very seriously. The department thoroughly investigates every complaint it receives against police personnel. All investigations are conducted in a fair and expeditious manner in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

Who can make a complaint?
Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct may file a complaint. It doesn't matter whether the person making the complaint was directly involved in the incident.

When should a complaint be made?
Call the police department if you witness or learn of police misconduct. This misconduct may relate to excessive use of force, unethical conduct, discourteous or abusive actions, or a violation of a city, state, or federal law.

Responsibility of the complainant.
The Peoria Police Department views all allegations of impropriety against its police personnel seriously and actively conducts investigations on employee misconduct. For this reason, the complainant must ensure their complaint is based on fact. False reporting in an attempt to unjustly discipline or defame police personnel or to place their employment in jeopardy can result in criminal charges or civil suit by the employee involved.

How can a complaint be filed?
Complaints can be filed in several ways:

• Contact the Professional Standards Unit. The telephone number for making a Complaint is (623) 773-8311. The service will take you through several prompts enabling you to leave a voicemail. If you desire to speak with someone immediately contact communications at (623) 773-8311, once prompted push #1, and when prompted again push #1--they will direct your call to the on-duty supervisor.

• Call the hotline and leave a detailed message for the Professional Standards Unit at (623) 773-5065.

• A complaint may also be filed by visiting our website and completing a copy of the Complaint form in PDF Format and mailing it to: 8351 W. Cinnabar, Peoria AZ, 85345 Attn: Professional Standards Unit

• By e-mail to PolicePSU@Peoriaaz.gov

• Electronically submitting the On-line Commendation/Complaint Form located at our Website, 

What is the complaint procedure?
In most cases, the supervisor of the accused employee conducts the investigation. When the allegations are of a very serious nature, the investigation may be conducted by the department's Professional Standards Unit. This usually involves incidents that could result in demotion, termination, or criminal charges.

The investigating supervisor reviews the facts and circumstances of the incident by interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. When completed, the supervisor reports the incident and submits the findings through the chain of command within the appropriate bureau to determine the final outcome, including disciplinary action if necessary.

After the investigation is completed.
The final outcome of the investigation will fall into one of the following categories:

• Exonerated - Conduct was proper or within department policy.

• Unfounded - The allegation was found to be false. 

• Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.

• Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.

• Non-Cooperation – Person making the complaint failed to cooperate

• False Complaint – Fraudulently filed complaint.

Following up with the complainant. The complainant will be advised of the supervisor's findings. City, state, and federal laws govern a police employee's privacy rights, therefore, you may not be entitled to some information.