FILE A COMPLAINT

The Salinas Police Department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service provided by the Department and the conduct of its members. The Department will accept and address all complaints of misconduct in accordance with this policy and applicable federal, state, and local law, municipal and county rules and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreements.

It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal or retaliation.

Personnel complaint forms will be maintained in a clearly visible location in the public area of the police facility and be accessible through the department website. Forms may also be available at other City facilities.

Personnel complaints forms in languages other than English may also be provided, as determined necessary or practicable.

All complaints will be courteously accepted by any department member and promptly given to the appropriate supervisor. If a supervisor is not immediately to take an oral complaint, the receiving member shall obtain contact information sufficient for the supervisor to contact the complainant. The supervisor, upon contact with the complainant, shall complete and submit a complaint form as appropriate.

Although not required, complainants should be encouraged to file complaints in person so that proper identification, signatures, photographs or physical evidence may be obtained as necessary.

A complainant shall be provided with a copy of his/her statement at the time it is filed with the Department (Penal Code § 832.7).