Rowley Police Department
Commendation
and Complaint Procedure
Officially Commending or Complaining About the Conduct of an Employee
The Rowley Police Department is
committed to providing quality, professional law enforcement services to the
public. We hope this guide will assist
you when you wish to commend the effort of an employee, make a complaint, or
seek further information.
Robert R. Barker
Chief of Police
Complaint Procedure
All complaints regarding the police
department or one of it’s members will be investigated. Citizens are requested to fill out and sign a
complaint form to allow us to perform a thorough investigation. Anonymous and
telephone complaints will be reviewed. A
citizen who wishes to complain can do so by coming to the station and speaking
with the shift commander, by telephoning the department, or by sending a letter
to the department.
Minor complaints such as rudeness and
discourtesy as well as serious infractions such as excessive force or
corruption will be investigated by the Internal Affairs Officer. The Chief of Police will review complaints of
both types.
The complainant will receive a written
confirmation of the complaint once it is received. The complaint will then be investigated and
will usually be resolved within 30 Days.
The complainant will receive written notification of the finding at the
conclusion of the investigation.
What Can Happen
A formal complaint will be classified
in one of four ways:
Unfounded: The allegations were
baseless and without foundation.
Exonerated: The actions of the employee were found
in compliance with the law or department policy.
Not Sustained: There was not
enough evidence to either prove or disprove the allegations.
Sustained: The complaint was valid and supported
by evidence.
If a complaint is sustained a member
can be disciplined in a number of ways ranging from additional training,
reprimand, suspension, demotion, and even dismissal. For more serious violations where the member
is to be suspended, demoted or dismissed the complainant may be asked to
testify at a disciplinary hearing.
False Complaints
Citizens should be aware that knowingly
making a false complaint or report is a violation of State Law. All persons who provide false or misleading
information subject themselves to arrest and criminal prosecution.
Commendations
Equally as important as reporting
police misconduct is the recognition of a job well done. Citizens are encouraged to contact the
department regarding exceptional service or performance by an employee. A citizen can call, write, or visit the
department in order to make a commendation.
The commendation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and forwarded
to the member(s) involved. The Chief may
then issue a departmental commendation as well.
The department has three levels of commendation.
Letter of Commendation:
Given for notable conduct above and beyond
the call of duty.
Ribbon of Commendation:
Given for superlative and distinguished
performance of police duty. Includes an
insignia for display on the uniform.
Medal of Commendation: Given to members who perform
exceptional acts or actions above the normal call of duty. Includes an insignia for display on the
uniform and a commemorative medal for display in the home.
Medal of Valor:
The department’s highest honor is bestowed upon a member who sacrifices
his or her life in the protection of the lives of others. This medal is presented posthumously to the family
of the fallen member.
Questions or Recommendations
The Rowley Police Department is
committed to providing the best possible police service. Citizen cooperation is essential if we are to
succeed. If you have a question or
recommendation you may contact the Chief of Police.
How to Reach Us
Chief Robert R. Barker
Rowley Police Department
Email: chief@rowleypolice.com
Internal Affairs Investigator
Detective Lieutenant Joseph Gamache
Rowley
Police Department
Email: detectives@rowleypolice.com
Telephone: 978-948-7644
www.rowleypolice.com
Accredited on October 10, 2003