Law Enforcement Services

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Professional Standards

How are complaints registered with the Sheriff’s Office?
Complaints are received by mail, email to the Sheriff’s Office website or to Sheriff’s Office personnel and by phone or FAX. Should the complainant choose to be interviewed in person by an Internal Affairs investigator, arrangements can be made to facilitate an in-person interview.

What kinds of complaints are processed by the Internals Affairs Unit? Complaints concerning conduct of Sheriff’s Office members and the performance of official duties and responsibilities constitute the majority of issues sent to the Internal Affairs Unit.

The internal affairs process does not address issues that are meant to be resolved through the inmate grievance system. For example, complaints about food service, inmate housing or other jail related issues. Those complaints should be addressed through the grievance system or to a Jail Facility Commander. Any complaints of this nature that are received in Internal Affairs are routed to the Jail Commander for resolution.

How are cases evaluated?
Once a case has been investigated and reviewed it is given one of four classifications. The classification given is known as the finding(s):

• Sustained: Sufficient evidence to prove the allegations of misconduct.
• Not Sustained: There was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation(s).
• Exonerated: Actions of the involved officer (s) occurred and were justified, lawful and proper.
• Unfounded: Based on the facts of the investigation, the act(s) did not occur.

How are Internal Affairs cases reviewed in the Sheriff’s Office?
All cases are reviewed by the Internal Affairs Inspector, a panel of Sheriff’s Office Command members or managers and the Division’s Chief Deputy before being sent to the Sheriff for final disposition.

How are the people involved notified?
The complainant is notified in writing of the findings of the investigation when the case has been closed.

Will I be informed of any disciplinary action taken?
Specific disciplinary actions are regarded as personnel actions and remain confidential under State law. Complainants will be informed, however, of the findings in the case.

Will my complaint impact any charges previously placed against me by the police?
No. Criminal and traffic charges must be resolved by the courts