I know the police department complaint process can seem extremely complicated to someone who has never filed a complaint before. In the past few years, it has been reported the number of complaints against officers has gone down. Citizens need to have confidence that something will be done regarding their interaction. As an example, I will go over a complaint I took from a citizen early in my career when I was a Sergeant at District 5. In most cases you can file a compliant at any district station or downtown at the Fire and Police Commission.
A female came into the front desk crying and upset stating she wanted to talk with a supervisor. We went into my office, and I asked her could she explain what happened to me. She stated an officer had stopped her accusing her of being a street walker. The officer threw her purse into a garbage can and in addition called her a nigger. I tried to calm her and asked could she describe the officer to me. She gave me his name off his name tag. Usually at this time you normally ask the complainant what they want done about the incident. She stated I do not want him to lose his job, but I want someone to talk with him about his behavior. I advised her I would call the officer in and have a long talk about his behavior.
The officer had several years on the job and his father was a Deputy Chief on the department. After roll call, I advised the officer I needed to talk with him about a complaint. I said have a seat and listen to what I have to say. I started by saying a lady that you had contact with last night came to the station upset and crying. Now I do not know if she was a prostitute or not, but it does not really matter. You must treat everyone you encounter with respect. The lady reports you threw her purse in the garbage and called her a nigger. I do believe what she said, and she wants you reprimanded for your behavior. Now if anyone else ever comes into this station and states you called them a nigger, me and you are going to have big problems. I do not care about your dad being a Deputy Chief. I will do my best to make sure you get fired if this happens again. Do you understand? He said yes and I said you are dismissed.
I will discuss the compliant process more next week and describe how complaints are managed.
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