The Department is commit- WHAT DOES THE DEPARTMENT DO Formal investigations are more detailed in ted to maintaining the integrity of its employees WITH COMPLAINTS? nature in that they involve tape recorded state- and accountability to the public. Each year the The commander of an employee involved will review ments, the collection of pertinent records and/or department receives hundreds of letters, tele- a complaint to determine the department’s response. the use of forensic tools (polygraph, handwriting phone calls, faxes, e-mails and personal visits The commander may decide to resolve the com- or other types of laboratory examinations, etc.). from citizens who wish to commend the actions plaint by informal means if the complaint is such that Completed formal investigations are reviewed of many officers and civilian employees. There the employee involved would not likely be disci- by a commander who makes a recommendation are, however, occasions when a citizen contacts plined. If the complaint is more serious in nature, a to the concerning the appropri- the department for the purpose of registering a formal investigation will be conducted. Action taken ate outcome. complaint concerning the conduct of an employ- by the employee’s commander is reviewed by the ee. The policy of the Indiana State Police Executive Office. The Superintendent makes a final determination Department is to accept and resolve citizen as to how each investigation is resolved. complaints in a manner which will demonstrate WHAT ARE INFORMAL AND FORMAL Investigations are categorized by the the department’s commitment to professional- INVESTIGATIONS? Superintendent as: ism. Complaints investigated informally involve a supervi- sor talking to the person making the complaint, any NOT SUBSTANTIATED/UNSUBSTANTIATED: witnesses and the employee involved. The supervi- HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT! the facts available are insufficient to prove or dis- sor summarizes the incident and gives the results of The Indiana State Police Department accepts com- prove the complaint; the inquiry to the responsible commander. In cases plaints in person, by U.S. Mail, by telephone, fax, where it is determined the complaint is substantiated e-mail, or anonymously from any person who UNFOUNDED: (a violation of department rules has occurred), the alleges misconduct by a department employee. The commander has the authority to issue written or ver- the facts prove the misconduct complained of did complaint should be made by the person involved, bal reprimands, order re-training or counsel an not occur or employees were not involved; his or her attorney or, in the case of a juvenile, a employee. The commander can also make a deter- parent or guardian. mination that the complaint is unsubstantiated. The EXONERATED: department considers a complaint to be unsubstanti- the conduct complained of did occur, but under WHEN AND WHERE MAY A COMPLAINT BE ated in situations where taking action against an the circumstances was not in violation of depart- FILED? employee cannot be justified. Examples of unsub- mental regulations, rules or standard operating A complaint may be filed at any time, however, those stantiated complaints are: an employee and a citizen procedures; filed in close proximity to the time of an incident have conflicting statements where no witnesses exist who can corroborate either version; the com- improve the investigator’s chance of gathering factu- SUSTAINED: al information. Complaints may be filed at any state plaint involves the issuance of a traffic citation or a the allegation is proved to be true and a decision police district, the headquarters operations desk or criminal arrest (these matters must be resolved by is made to impose discipline or supervisory the Executive Office. District facilities and headquar- the court); the complainant asks to withdraw the action. ters operations desk are available 24 hours a day. complaint or the complaint is proven; however, no Hours of the Executive Office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 rule violation has occurred. If the informal inquiry p.m., Monday through Friday. reveals the complaint is of a more serious nature than originally reported, the commander may choose to have a formal investigation conducted. WHAT IS DISCIPLINARY ACTION? INDIANA STATE POLICE Pursuant to 10-1-1-6 the Superintendent is authorized to demote, dis- PHONE NUMBERS charge or temporarily suspend an employee of the department after preferring charges in writing. Under the authority of the Superintendent, subor- Lowell (13) ...... 1-800-552-8917 dinate commanders are allowed to impose disci- pline up to a ten-day suspension. Suspension in Lafayette (14) . . . .1-800-382-7537 excess of ten days, demotions or terminations Peru (16) ...... 1-800-382-0689 may be imposed by the Superintendent. Employees may appeal disciplinary penalties to Toll Road (21) . . . .1-800-421-4912 the Indiana State Police Board or may seek judi- Fort Wayne (22) . . .1-800-552-0976 cial review in a civil court. Bremen (24) . . . . .1-800-552-2959 WILL I BE INFORMED OF THE OUTCOME? Bloomington (33) . .1-800-423-1286 Unless the person who registers the complaint Jasper (34) ...... 1-800-742-7475 specifies otherwise, the department will notify that person in writing at the conclusion of the investi- Evansville (35) . . . .1-800-852-3970 gation. The complainant will be informed if the Versailles (42) . . . .1-800-566-6704 complaint was investigated formally or informally and how the matter was resolved. Access to Sellersburg (45) . . .1-800-872-6743 CITIZEN investigative reports is restricted and are released Pendleton (51) . . . .1-800-527-4752 outside the department in response to valid legal process, i.e., a subpoena or court order. (52) . .1-800-582-8440 Putnamville (53) . . .1-800-225-8576 COMPLAINT WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE OUTCOME? The department strives to treat citizens and its ------employees with fundamental fairness. The majori- ty of complaints are resolved amicably; however, INDIANA STATE POLICE PROCEDURE there are times when the department’s response IGCN - Room 340N does not satisfy the complainant. Should that 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204-2259 occur, the complainant may seek and follow the (317)232-8250 advice of legal counsel with regard to what reme- dy may exist of his or her particular situation. Executive Office 317-232-8245