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If you wish to file a complaint, the four ways to file a complaint are:
More info on the complaint process is below in the section "Complaint Process."
As a citizen, you are encouraged to contact the police department if you have a complaint about the actions of a police officer or non-sworn employee if you believe their conduct was inappropriate. The Anderson Police Department accepts complaints anytime, but those close in time to the event will aid the investigation process. A complaint may be made in person, by U.S. Mail, by telephone, or email at:
apdcomplaint@cityofanderson.com
Complaints may be made 24 hours a day. The department has developed a complaint form that should be used. The form is available at the APD desk or via the Anderson Police Department Web site. If the complaint is made in person, supervisory personnel will aid you in completing the form if desired. The complaint should be made by the person involved, whenever possible, his or her attorney or in the case of a juvenile, a parent or guardian. Upon receipt of the complaint, regardless of the method it is made, supervisory personnel will discuss concerns you have and will answer questions about actions of an officer, initiate your complaint against an officer, and conduct investigations of police conduct. Although we encourage citizens to report police misconduct, complaints must be made in good faith. False or highly exaggerated complaints serve no good purpose for either the citizens or the officer and only tend to thwart our complaint-taking process. It is a violation of Indiana law to make a false report against a police officer. Anyone who knowingly makes any false accusation for the purpose of discrediting a police officer may be prosecuted for False Informing under Indiana Code 35-44.1-2-3 (d) (5).
Supervisory personnel are responsible for receiving, processing, and investigating allegations and complaints made against members of the Anderson Police Department. To ensure the public’s trust and maintain the department’s integrity, a supervisor will conduct an immediate and objective investigation of all complaints.
The police department will not condone and will take disciplinary action against any employee who effects or causes harassment, tacit or otherwise, of complainants, witnesses, or any other person connected to or associated with an internal investigation.
When you file a complaint, please have as much of following information available:
A supervisor will interview you about your complaint. You will be asked questions about what happened. It is possible that the supervisor may be able to explain the employee’s actions to your satisfaction.
After the interview, the police department will investigate your complaint.
The final disposition can usually be classified into one of the following categories:
Unfounded – The allegation is false, not factual, or did not involve police personnel.
Exonerated – The alleged act or omission did occur, but was justified, lawful and proper.
Not sustained – Insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove allegations.
Sustained – Evidence sufficient to prove allegations.
If the complaint is “sustained” the department’s disciplinary policy will be applied. Disciplinary action can take many forms and is based on the severity of the matter and past disciplinary actions against the employee. Discipline can include counseling, training, reprimand, suspension, demotion, dismissal, and/or criminal charges.
A partnership between the citizens of Anderson and the Anderson Police Department can ensure the citizens of Anderson have the best law enforcement available. The Mission of the administration review process is to protect the public, the employee and the department through fair, thorough and proactive investigations of alleged misconduct. This mission is intended to accomplish three objectives:
PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC by identifying and effecting corrective action of police department personnel and, if applicable, changing procedures that better serve the department and public.
PROTECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT by taking appropriate action so that misconduct of a few will not detract from the overall performance and reputation of the department.
PROTECTION OF THE EMPLOYEE against false or malicious allegations of misconduct by ensuring fairness and accuracy in all investigations.
If you wish to commend the actions of an Anderson Police Department officer or department employee, you can:
Commendations received by the Chief of Police for any Anderson Police Department employee will result in advising the employee of your gratitude and in recording his/her actions in the employee's personnel file. If applicable, an award can also be presented to the officer(s).