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Any citizen can make a commendation for a job well done.

Commendations can be made in writing, verbally, through social media, or in person.  Commendations can also be filed 24 hours a day with an on-duty supervisor.

Your recommendation will be forwarded to the Office of the Sheriff.  The Sheriff will determine the type of award to be given based on the circumstances.  Minor commendations may be handled directly by the supervisor either verbally or considered when completing the employee's performance evaluation.

Yes. On minor commendations, the supervisor will most likely advise you of the action that will be taken. On commendations of a more significant nature, you will be notified in writing of the results of the recommendation and the ceremonies that may take place so that you may attend if you so desire.

The quality of relations between citizens and the Sheriff's Office depends not only on reporting misconduct but also on acknowledging a job well done.

Any citizen may make a complaint. Individuals under 18 years old will need a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult present with them.

Complaints can be made in writing, verbally, through social media, or in person. Complaints can be filed 24 hours a day with the on-duty supervisor or during regular business hours with the Internal Affairs Unit. All complaints, including anonymous complaints, will be accepted.

Complaints will be accepted, investigated, and adjudicated if received within 180 days from the commission of the alleged violation.

No. However, an anonymous complaint can be challenging to investigate. During the investigation, additional information may be required from you to ensure a successful conclusion.

Yes. The employee will be advised of the allegations made against them. The complainant's identity will also be made available to the employee if known.

Depending upon the nature of the allegation, the complaint can either be investigated by a Sheriff's Office supervisor or directly by the Internal Affairs Unit.

If the investigation indicates misconduct, the employee will be disciplined according to the seriousness of the rules violation. Disciplinary actions can range from verbal counseling to suspension or termination in extreme cases. If the allegation is criminal, the case will be presented for prosecution.

It is essential that public confidence be maintained, which enhances the ability of the Sheriff's Office to investigate and properly handle complaints against its members.

Minor complaints are often handled immediately. As a general rule, the investigation of a serious charge should be concluded in 45 days unless circumstances necessitate additional time.

If you have identified yourself, you will be informed in writing when the investigation has been completed.

After the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Undersheriff for disposition. Possible dispositions to your case may include:

1. EXONERATED – the incident occurred but was lawful and did not violate policy.
2. INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE/DISPROVE – insufficient evidence exists to prove or disprove the allegation(s).
3. SUSTAINED – evidence sufficient to prove the allegation.
4. SUSTAINED FOR MISCONDUCT NOT BASED ON COMPLAINT – where misconduct not alleged in the complaint is substantiated.
5. UNFOUNDED – allegation is false or not factual, or the employee was not involved.
6. INADEQUATE POLICY – The policy provided inadequate guidance or was not in line with present legal standing or recognized common and/or best practices, thus contributing to the complaint at issue.

If you believe the complaint to be valid and the employee is ultimately exonerated, the case will be over. However, if it is determined that the complaint was false and malicious, you may be subject to criminal charges and/or a civil suit by the employee.

For additional information regarding the commendation or complaint process, contact the Sheriff's Office at 575-396-8200 or 575-396-3611.