10.4 - Citizen's complaint investigation Flashcards
COMPLAINT PROCESS OVERVIEW.
Acceptance.
Investigation.
Processing
Closing.
Category I complaint
Category I complaint
Complaints alleging physical contact, excessive force, and/or criminal, racial, sexual, or immoral conduct. Category I complaint also include those which allege acts of dishonesty and/or falsification of documentation, or allegations of unethical conduct.
Category II Complaint.
Complaints alleging verbal misconduct, nonverbal misconduct (not involving actual physical contact), and/or complaints regarding matters not related to an employee’s conduct.
“Other” Complaints.
“Other” Complaints.
Complaints which may contain Category I or II allegations as outlined above, but which also meet the definition of one of the following types of complaints, as defined in this chapter:
• Departmental complaint
• Citation Validity complaint (if this is the sole allegation)
• Rescinded complaint
• Frivolous complaint
Non-Complaints.
Issues brought to the attention of the Department which are not normally considered citizens’ complaints for the purpose of investigation and documentation in accordance with this manual. Examples of such non-complaint issues include: • Traffic • Vehicle Storage/impound Validity • Other Agency • Off-duty conduct
A complaint allegation will have one of five findings. Each is listed below, in order of severity.
(1) Sustained
(2) Unintentional Error
(3) Undetermined/No Finding
(4) Departmental
(5) Exonerated
Unintentional Error - The act (or omission) did occur and it is deemed improper, but was the result of an employee’s ______ mistake.
honest
This form is the ‘face page’ of the complaint investigation package and is the primary method of complaint documentation. The ____ will be completed for all Category I, Category II, and Other complaints.
CHP 240, Complaint investigation.
This form is intended to be the primary instrument for citizens to file complaints against non-uniformed (non- peace officer) employees, while also informing complainants about the complaint process.
CHP 240D, Citizens’ Complaint Information (Non Uniformed).
This form is intended to be the primary instrument for citizens to file complaints against uniformed (peace officer) employees, while also informing complainants about the complaint process.
CHP 240B, Citizens’ Complaint Information
This form is used to initially document receipt of citizens’ complaints, and as a management tool to track investigation status. The ______ shall be maintained in a location that ensures its confidentiality.
b. CHP 240A, Complaint Control Log.
All complainants shall be acknowledged by correspondence within_______ of the Department’s notification of the complaint.
five (5) business days
If the complaint involves a departmental peace officer, the complainant _____be requested to sign the advisory statement on the CHP 240B. In either case, the complainant shall be requested to return the CHP 240B or CHP 240D within ______.
shall
ten (10) business days
The citizens’ complaint process is intended to afford the ______ an avenue to voice concerns. the citizens’ complaint process ____ be utilized to document internal complaints or grievances
public
shall not
Any complainant who makes a claim of monetary damages, which are alleged to have been proximately caused by the actions, or inaction, of a Department employee shall be provided with a _______ or a BC-1A (Board of Control) Tort Claim, as appropriate.
CHP 287, Claims of $1,000 or Less,
This process specifically excludes complaints against peace officers (uniformed employees). The contents of the Internet site, as well as the CHP 240D itself, both contain clear advisories that complaints against peace officers _______ be filed in this manner. However, in the interest of public service, the Department will _______ and investigate complaints as otherwise described in this manual against uniformed employees submitted through this method.
should not
accept
The normal suspense period for complaints received at the command, or forwarded from BIA, is _______. The suspense period for legislative complaints is _______.
sixty (60) days
thirty (30) days
only the Category I investigation format requires the inclusion of a _____________
chronological log