Complaint Process

To ensure the integrity of the Department and to the maintain the confidence of the public, all complaints against the Department or its employees will be thoroughly investigated.

How to File a Complaint

An inquiry or complaint may be made at any time. Keep in mind that complaints should be made within a reasonable time after the alleged incident occurred to help insure that evidence is still available and recollections of the incident are still fresh. To make an inquiry or register a complaint, contact the department at 314-838-5000 and ask to speak to a supervisor. If a supervisor is not available at the time that you call, one will contact you as soon as they become available.

Complaint Review Procedure

The Department will make every effort to investigate complaints of misconduct. Complaints submitted by persons unwilling to cooperate in an investigation will be investigated to the fullest extent possible. Complainants who cooperate in an investigation will be notified of the results in the investigation and are invited to periodically contact the Chief of Police to find out the status of their complaint.

Witnesses named by the complainant will be contacted and interviewed. The named employee will also be interviewed. Any additional witnesses discovered during the investigation will also be interviewed. All of their statements will be recorded and be used in the investigation. Should violations of the law be discovered we will then begin a criminal investigation as well.

All complaints will be fully investigated to the extent allowable by the information that we receive. Most complaint investigations are concluded within 90 days from the time received, but complex investigation may take more time. We will notify the complainant in writing when the complaint process is initiated and concluded. At the conclusion you will receive the results of our internal investigation in writing.

Scope of Complaints

The Complaint Review Procedure is not intended to resolve issues surrounding traffic citations or arrest for which criminal charges have been issued; those issues must be resolved through the Court System.

How We Investigate Complaints

Minor Allegations

Allegations that a Department employee acted inappropriately or failed to perform his or her duty to the satisfaction of the citizen will normally be investigated by the employee's supervisor.

Serious Allegations

Allegation that a Department employee exercised unnecessary force, was derelict or neglectful of his or her duty, engaged in oppressive conduct, or violated Federal, State, or Local Laws will be investigated by the Office of the Chief of Police.

Final Complaint Classifications

  • Exonerated - The incident occurred, but the employee's conduct was lawful and proper.
  • Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
  • Sustained - The evidence is sufficient to support the allegation.
  • Unfounded - The allegation was false or the incident did not occur.

Employees against who a complaint has been sustained are subject to internal discipline. Depending upon the seriousness of the misconduct, sanctions ranging from verbal warnings or remedial training, up to and including termination of the employee may be imposed.