What happens when I file a complaint?

The Boulder Police Department investigates allegations of misconduct against any of its employees.  Complaints of misconduct are classified as either minor or serious.  Allegations of minor misconduct may be investigated by the employee's supervisor and are referred to as a Supervisory Review.  In such cases, the supervisor makes disposition recommendations to the Deputy Chief of Police.  Allegations of serious misconduct, such as excessive force, abuse of authority, or criminal violations, are investigated by the department's Professional Standards Unit.  Investigations of serious misconduct are referred to as Internal Affairs (IA) Investigations.

Once an IA investigation is completed, each supervisor in the employee's chain of command reviews the case and makes a recommendation for disposition.  The case is also reviewed by the IA Review Panel, which consists of both department and community members.  The panel ensures that the investigative process was fair and complete, and provides a recommendation on the disposition of the case to the Chief of Police.  After considering all of the input received, the Chief of Police makes the final decision on the disposition of the complaint.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 September 2012 12:46