I                Purpose

                The purpose of the citizen complaint procedure is so that all complaints made against police officers are properly documented and investigated fairly and without prejudice.

II               Policy

                The Policy of the Portsmouth Police Department is to investigate all complaints made by citizens and to have those complaints followed up by the appropriate Commanding Officers.  Commanding Officers will be defined by the rank of Sergeant and above.  The Portsmouth Police Department will have forms specifically identified for all formal complaints.  Each complaint will be investigated and appropriate action taken if needed by the Office of the Chief of his or her designee.

III             Procedure

                A.  All complaints against a Police Officer of the Portsmouth Police Department or any complaints in reference to the Policies or Procedures of the Portsmouth Police Department will be directed to the Officer in Charge at the time the complaint is made.

                B.  The Officer in Charge will be responsible for obtaining information on the type of complaint and personal information of the complainant.  Only a Sergeant or above may investigate a complaint.  Senior Patrolmen who may be the Officer in Charge are required to obtain the type of complaint and the persons information and advise them that the information will be forwarded to the Office of the Deputy Chief and they will be contacted by the Deputy Chief or the designee.
               

                C.  The Officer in Charge will be responsible for determining if the complaint is of a criminal or serious nature, if so, then the Deputy Chief will be advised immediately or in the absence of the Deputy Chief, the Detective Commander.
                     The Chief of Police will then be advised upon all facts and circumstances of the complaint or case.
                     All complaints that are not of a serious nature will be initially investigated by the Officer in Charge, (Sergeant or above) and a determination will be made by the Officer in Charge if the complaint can be handled at that time or if the complaint should be forwarded to the Deputy Chief for further follow up.

                D.  Documentation will be accomplished by a Complaint Form attached to this policy addressing the facts or circumstances. Case numbers will be assigned by the Deputy Chief for all internal investigations. Interviews and a written outcome of the findings will be conducted by the Deputy Chief and forwarded to the Chief of Police.

                E.  Complaint forms are also made available during normal business hours at the Town Administrators Office or by visiting the Portsmouth Police Department web site and downloading the policy and complaint form.  All complaints can be mailed to:

Portsmouth Police Department
2270 East Main Rd.
Portsmouth, RI 02871

You can also drop off the completed form at the Portsmouth Police Department.

Effective Date:  12/22/03
Revised:  9/27/04