Citizen Complaint Form

Anyone who is directly involved or witnesses an incident from which a complaint arises may file a complaint. This may include a parent or a legal representative of an involved party.

Complaints may be accepted in person, in writing, or by telephone. The complainant will be asked to give the names of all parties and witnesses involved and will be asked to give a complete and thorough statement.

The employee's immediate supervisors will normally investigate the complaint.

The department's objective is to complete a thorough and impartial investigation disclosing the truth. Every effort possible will be expended to satisfactorily conclude the investigation.

The Chief of Police, after reviewing all aspects of the investigation, makes the final decision on the validity of the complaint, and, if sustained, the discipline to be administered.

South Pasadena PD Duty Manual Vol. 4. Chapter 6. Section 675.30: Investigation required any allegation, coupled with a reasonable cause to believe that Police Department personnel have violated the law, or have violated the rules, regulations, or orders of the Department, shall be investigated. Allegations shall be reported to a supervisor. Reported violations may be in writing or oral (either in person or by telephone) by any person. All reports of misconduct shall be reported to the Office of the Chief of Police.

Pursuant to Penal Code Section 837.7(d), the Chief of Police shall ensure that written notification shall be made to the complaining party of the disposition of his or her complaint within 30 days of the disposition. The notification provided to the complainant shall not be binding or admissible as evidence in any separate or subsequent action or proceeding brought before an arbitrator, court, or judge of this state or the United States.