Citizen Complaint

The purpose of this policy is to inform all sworn employees of departmental procedures for addressing citizen’s complaints.

Policy: Citizen Complaint

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: 1.9.1

Issue Date: January 15, 2012

Reviewed Date: March 23, 2026

Revised Date: March 23, 2026

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to inform all sworn employees of departmental procedures for addressing citizen’s complaints.

Policy:

It is the policy of this department to investigate all complaints against the agency or its employees.  The department will investigate complaints of alleged officer misconduct, to equitably determine whether the allegations are valid or invalid and to take appropriate action, through established due process procedures.  The Department procedures for filing a complaint are made available to the public and include a prohibition against filing a false complaint as outlined in Wis. Stats. §66.0511(3) and §946.66. (1.9.1.4)

Definitions:

1. Internal Investigations Authority- the Chief of Police or his/her designee responsible for reviewing citizen complaints, and/or conducting investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
2. Conduct unbecoming an officer- any conduct which adversely affects the morale, operations, or efficiency of the department or any conduct which has a tendency to adversely affect, lower, or destroy public trust and confidence in the department, or any officer or employee. Also includes any conduct which brings the department or any officer or employee into disrepute or brings discredit upon the department, or any officer or employee.
3. Incompetency- the inability to successfully perform the duties of a University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Officer and/or carry out the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department.
4. Nonfeasance- the failure to perform a task, duty, or undertaking that one has agreed to perform or has a legal duty to perform.

Procedures:

1. Basis for Disciplinary Action
   1. State law provides that officers shall not be subject to disciplinary action by the department, unless their actions constitute one of the following:
      1. A violation of state, local, or federal law;
      2. Conduct unbecoming an officer;
      3. Incompetency;
      4. A violation of written or verbal departmental rules, policy, procedure, or orders;
      5. Nonfeasance
2. Citizen Complaints
   1. All citizen complaints pertaining to departmental policies or procedures or that allege officer misconduct shall be documented and investigated by the department.
      1. Complaints may be given in person, over the telephone, or in writing.  Complaint packets are available at the University Police Department and/or available online at (1.9.1.4) https://go.uwplatt.edu/uwppd-citizen-complaint-form.
      2. Anonymous complaints or complaints from citizens who wish their names to be held in confidence shall be accepted for investigation.  The complainant should be informed that an anonymous or oral complaint may not necessarily start the citizen complaint process.  If a complainant insists on anonymity, he/she should be referred to the Chief of Police, or the Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance, or the District Attorney if the complaint is based on a criminal violation.
      3.    A complaint against the Chief of Police should be filed with the Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance or the Chancellor. 
   2. Citizen complaints may be accepted by any supervisor of the department who is approached for such assistance.
      1. The supervisor may attempt to resolve a complaint by an exploration of departmental policies and procedures, where applicable. Attempts to resolve complaints shall be noted on the complaint report. (1.9.1.1)
      2. If unable to resolve the complaint, the complaint may be reviewed by the internal investigations’ authority (Chief or his/her designee). (1.9.1.2)
      3. If the nature of the complaint is criminal in nature, the internal investigations authority (Chief or his/her designee) shall document the complaint in writing and promptly open an internal investigation. (1.9.1.2)
   3. Upon receipt of a citizen’s complaint, the internal investigations authority shall contact the complainant and advise him/her that the matter is under investigation, and that the complainant shall receive written notice of the final disposition of the case. The internal investigations authority shall advise the complainant of departmental procedures for the processing and investigation of citizen complaints.
   4. Citizen complaints will be investigated follow the policy “Discipline & Grievance”, specifically Section B “Internal Investigations”.
   5. Anyone filing a complaint against a University Police Officer shall be informed of Wis. Stats. 66.0511(3) and 946.66(2), False Complaints of Police Misconduct: “Whoever knowingly makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture.” (Class A forfeiture is not to exceed $10,000). (1.9.1.4)