Columbus, Georgia

Columbus Consolidated Government

Referrals From Mayor and Council-09/07/2004





Subject Complaint System



Description Have the staff to provide a report back on the matter that was

discussed last week as it relates to complaints being made to our Public Safety

Departments and what process is being used. (Request of Councilor Woodson)



Received From



Assigned To Willie L Dozier



Please enter a date mm/dd/yy before any comments are added.

Response How do I make a complaint against an officer?



It is the policy of the Columbus Police Department to foster confidence from

the citizens of Columbus and maintain high professional standards.? Our

Department investigates all complaints against both sworn and civilian

employees.? Any investigation or hearing arising from a complaint will be

fairly conducted with truth as the primary objective.



A complaint against an officer should be registered with any supervisor or

directly to the Chief of Police.? A supervisor is any employee with the rank of

sergeant or above or any civilian specifically designated as a supervisor.? Any

supervisor receiving a complaint is required to notify his/her supervisor of

the facts so that appropriate action may be taken.? When an employee who is not

a supervisor receives a complaint, that employee is required to immediately

notify a supervisor.

The specifics of the complaint are then determined.? If the complaint is such

that the supervisor is unable to investigate, or if assistance is needed, he or

she will forward the complaint through the chain of command to the Chief of

Police with a request for assistance.? The complaint will then be reviewed and

may be assigned to the Office of Professional Standards for further

investigation.? These are normally completed with 30 days.??



The following acts or omissions may result in discipline of the employee:?

commission of a criminal offense, neglect of duty, any conduct which may

reflect unfavorably upon the employees of the Department and any violation of

Department orders, policies or procedures.?

After the complaint has been thoroughly investigated, the file will be

submitted to the Chief of Police for review.? All investigations of

Departmental employees accused of misconduct will conclude with one of the

following:



SUSTAINED - The investigation's findings reveal sufficient evidence to prove

the allegations.



NOT SUSTAINED - The investigation's findings reveal insufficient evidence to

clearly prove or disprove the complaint.



EXONERATED - The investigation's findings reveal the acts did occur but were

justified, lawful and proper.



UNFOUNDED - The investigation's findings reveal that the acts in the complaint

did not occur or did not involve Departmental employees



POLICY FAILURE - The investigation revealed the acts in the complaint did occur

but were based on existing policy.? Responsibility for the acts reside within

Departmental policy and not the employee.



ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION - The complainant failed to cooperate with the

investigation and there is insufficient evidence to draw a conclusion and apply

a finding.

The complainant will be advised of the outcome of the investigation.? Any

discipline as a result of a complaint may include the following:? counseling,

oral reprimand, remedial training, written reprimand, disciplinary probation,

suspension without pay, demotion or dismissal.? Disciplinary actions are

personnel matters and are not normally publicly disclosed.