Complaint Procedures

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A CHISD POLICE OFFICER OR SECURITY GUARD

The Chapel Hill ISD Police Department welcomes valid complaints about our services and personnel. As stated within our core values, we operate upon the foundation of ethical and professional conduct as we are committed to the highest level of moral principles. Our expectation within the complaint process is to enhance and maintain the integrity and ethical standards of the Chapel Hill ISD Police Department. A few examples of behaviors that may be reported, might include but are not limited to, use of force incidents; sexual harassment; disparate treatment due to gender, race, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation and/or inappropriate conduct or comments. Individuals who feel that they have a legitimate concern or complaint may make a formal complaint to the Chapel Hill ISD Police Department at any time. We believe our complaint process helps us better protect the Chapel Hill ISD community from misconduct as well as provides a basis for a thorough and impartial investigation procedure. Information regarding the complaint process can be obtained from any member of the police department. Additional information about this process may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Chief at 903-939-6700 (Extension 2911). We acknowledge that the relationship between our department and the public should be one built on confidence and trust.

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLAINT PROCESS

The complaint process is designed to deal with each case impartially and factually. In order for a complaint against a department member to be considered by the Chief of Police, the complaint must be in writing on a form provided by the District. The complaint shall be signed by the person making the complaint and notarized. In accordance with the law, the District shall provide to the police officer, whom is the subject of the investigation, a copy of the formal complaint. Upon filing a formal written complaint, the investigative processes will begin without delay.

THE INTERVIEW

The Lieutenant of the Chapel Hill ISD Police Department will interview the person filing the complaint. The Lieutenant will ask the alleged victim questions about the circumstances surrounding the complaint. In some cases, it may be possible that the Lieutenant will be able to explain the actions in question to your satisfaction. In other cases, a more extensive investigation may be necessary. It should also be understood that with some complaints the initial interview may be videotaped. The complainant should be prepared to provide a sworn statement and be willing to provide the names of witnesses and/or other police officers that may know facts about the complaint.

THE INVESTIGATION
After the interview, the formal complaint will be forwarded to the Chief of Police for an initial review. If it is determined that the level of misconduct rises to the level of a serious infraction, criminal allegation or an egregious policy violation; the Chief of Police will designate and assign the complaint for a formal Internal Affairs Investigation. The Internal Affairs investigators will consist of Chapel Hill ISD Command Staff Administrators. In some cases, the Chapel Hill ISD Police Department may seek assistance from an outside law enforcement agency to complete the investigation. If the complaint includes allegations of unreasonable force, excessive force or evidence suggesting an officer has committed a crime; the district attorney’s office may be immediately notified. During the investigation, all officers who have knowledge of the incident will be formally interviewed. Witnesses, whom the alleged victim has named, will be contacted and interviewed. The alleged victim will receive a letter regarding the progress of the investigation. Although it is impossible to estimate how long an investigation will take, the alleged victim will receive periodic reports on the status of the investigation. Once the investigation is complete, a written report and complaint file will then be prepared and submitted through the proper chain of command.

DISPOSITIONS & FINDINGS
The results and facts of a complaint are called "findings". After a thorough and complete investigation a complaint will then be classified by a final “disposition”. The following dispositions will be assigned:

Unfounded – The incident did not occur or the affected employee was not involved.
Exonerated - The police officer(s) or security guard involved acted properly and will not be disciplined; the incident occurred but actions taken were lawful and proper.
Sustained - The complaint has been supported: The evidence is sufficient to prove the allegation.
Not Sustained - Insufficient evidence exists to prove the allegation.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

The Chief of Police reviews every complaint after the investigation is completed and a final Internal Affairs report is written.
The Chief of Police will consider the disposition after reviewing the complaint, and the alleged victim will be informed of the findings and disposition in writing.

COMPLAINANT RESPONSIBILITIES
While we do encourage the filing of legitimate complaints against employees, the department simultaneously seeks to hold members of the public responsible for the filing of false and malicious allegations against our employees. When a complaint is proven to be purposely false, the complainant will be prosecuted within the law (Texas Penal Code § 37.08).

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Complaint Procedures