Commendation/Complaint Process

Commendation and Complaint Process

Citizens' Commendation and Complaint Process

The Newport Police Department acknowledges exceptional employee performance through formal commendations. Expressions of gratitude for the services or actions of employees are highly valued. Letters recognizing employees or citizens for their actions are encouraged and may be sent to the Chief of Police at:

CFangman@police.newportky.gov

Or by mail:

Newport Police Department

998 Monmouth St.

Newport, KY 41071

Citizen Complaints

The Newport Police Department investigates all complaints of alleged employee misconduct in order to ensure professional conduct within the Department.

The department shall document and investigate all citizen complaints pertaining to a violation of Departmental policies or that allege officer misconduct.

Complaints may be given in person, over the telephone or in writing.

Anonymous complaints or complaints from citizens who wish their names to be kept confidential shall be accepted for investigation.

Citizen complaints may be accepted by any supervisor of the Department who is approached for such assistance.

The supervisor shall document verbal or anonymous complaints in writing and promptly forward the complaint to the appropriate supervisor.

When an individual wishes to register a complaint against the Department or an employee of the Department, the individual shall be provided with the opportunity and any assistance needed to record the complaint. The procedures below shall be followed immediately when an individual informs an employee of the Department of a desire to file a complaint:

The Complaint Form will be provided to the individual, with instructions and assistance in filling it out. If the individual cannot write, the on-duty supervisor shall record a videotape or audiotape of the complaint.

A copy of the complaint (except video and audio tapes) shall be made and given to the complainant, acknowledging receipt of the complaint.

The completed Complaint Form (and/or video and audio tapes) shall be placed in a sealed envelope marked "Confidential" and sent through the chain of command to the Chief of Police.

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 Form.

If the complainant refuses to complete the Complaint Form, the supervisor shall complete a written description of the complaint.

All complaints and results of the supervisor's investigation shall be forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police, who shall review the circumstances and may refer employee misconduct of a minor nature back to the line supervisors for recommended disposition.

Disposition of Complaints

All complaints assigned for investigation by the employee's immediate supervisor shall be routed for final review through the employee's Division Commander, who shall review the file for completeness and forward the file to the Chief of Police for final disposition.

A finding shall be made on all investigations, whether completed by the immediate supervisor of the employee, the Internal Affairs Team, or an investigator designated by the Chief of Police. The finding shall be in one of the categories listed below:

Unfounded: The allegation is false.

Exonerated: The allegation is true but the action was lawful and proper.

Not Sustained: There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.

Sustained: The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence and the action violates either criminal law or Department rules of conduct.

Withdrawn: The complainant withdraws the complaint prior to the completion of the investigation.

Misconduct Not Based on Complaint: The investigation reveals sufficient evidence to indicate other infractions not based on the original complaint.

A person intentionally making false statements in their complaint may be in violation of KRS 519.040, Falsely Reporting an Incident, and can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to twelve (12) months in jail and/or a $500 fine.