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Citizens Complaint Information
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It is the policy of the Kenosha Police
Department to accept, investigate, and resolve complaints by any persons
regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers employed by the Kenosha Police
Department.
A complaint means that someone
is dissatisfied with our service. If
we are doing something wrong, the complaint will help the department recognize
and correct deficiencies in our service to the community.
It is the intent of the Kenosha Police Department to provide its residents and
all others that we serve with only the highest quality law enforcement services.
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How do I initiate a complaint against an
officer?
The preferred method is for you to come to the Kenosha Police Department and
ask to speak with a supervisor. Once
you meet with a supervisor you should express your concerns to him/her.
A complaint may also be initiated by telephone or by letter.
Complaints can be filed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If I’m under 18 years old, do I have a
right to file a complaint?
Yes. You must
have a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult present with you.
How will my
complaint be resolved?
Much of this is up to you.
Your complaint may be resolved informally or formally. An informal
complaint will normally be handled and resolved immediately with the officer’s
shift supervisor speaking with the officer and expressing your concerns to
him/her. A formal complaint
will require that you give your name and sign a Citizen Complaint Form.
Subsequently, an investigation will take place.
Will the officer
know that I have made a complaint?
Yes. Through
the course of the investigation the officer will be advised of the allegation
made against him or her and the identity of the person making the allegation.
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Need I be
concerned about possible retaliation for making a complaint against an officer?
Absolutely not! It is essential that public
confidence be maintained which enhances the ability of the department to
investigate and resolve any complaint against its members. You will be
provided a departmental liaison. If at anytime you have any additional
concerns, you should contact the liaison.
What will happen
to the officer?
If the investigation shows misconduct, the officer will
be disciplined according to the seriousness of the violation. Disciplinary
actions may range from a reprimand to suspension or in extreme cases,
termination. If the allegation is criminal in nature, the case will be
referred for prosecution. Other appropriate remedies may include policy
change and retraining.
Who is
responsible for investigating the complaint?
The Chief of Police will determine who will investigate
the complaint. The actual investigative work may be conducted by a police
supervisor or an internal affairs investigator. The department may also
utilize other agencies to investigate criminal allegations against an officer.
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How long will the investigation take?
The
investigation of a formal complaint will be completed as soon as possible.
However, much depends on the depth of the investigation and/or the
availability of all involved individuals.
Will I be notified of the results of the
investigation?
Yes.
Once the investigation has been concluded, you will be informed of the
disposition of your complaint. The
notification will normally be in the form of a letter.
What if I’m not satisfied with the
results of the department’s investigation?
You may
request a meeting with the Chief of Police or file charges with the Police and
Fire Commission.
False Accusations:
Wisconsin
State Statute 946.66 states, “Whoever knowingly makes a false complaint
regarding the conduct of a Law Enforcement Officer is subject to Class “A”
forfeiture (Arrest). This statute
has been adopted by the City of
Kenosha
, Code of General Ordinance, Section 11.02(Q).
It
is important to note that making a statement which you know to be untrue may
subject you to criminal charges and/or a civil lawsuit.
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Must I file my
complaint directly with the Kenosha Police Department?
You have an alternative.
Wisconsin
statutes provide you with an alternative to file your complaint directly with
the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners.
Formal charges can be filed if you
believe that you are an aggrieved person.
Formal charges must be in writing and must be sufficiently detailed so
that all parties understand the conduct involved and contain the specific rules,
regulations or standards of conduct you believed the police officer has
violated. The formal charges shall
be filed with the Chairperson of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners.
The rules for any subsequent investigation and resolution of those
charges are set by the board.
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If you have any questions or
would like further information or assistance in filing a complaint, please
contact the on-duty shift supervisor at:
(262) 605-5210.
If you send a letter,
send it to the attention of:
Office of the Chief of Police
Att: Internal Affairs Unit
Kenosha Police Department
1000-55thStreet
Kenosha
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Wisconsin
53140
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Links to the Kenosha Police Department's;
KPD
Citizens Complaint Procedure Policy
Citizens
Complaint Form
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