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Complaints & Compliments
Overview
Complaints and compliments are valued by the Boone Police Department. Your valid complaints and criticisms help us to protect the community from possible misconduct by police employees. At the same time, a thorough and impartial investigation procedure helps protect police employees from unwarranted charges when they perform their duties properly. Compliments are appreciated and provide recognition for a job well done.
Things to remember:
- You may remain anonymous (this will prevent us from contacting you for additional information or providing you with a disposition).
- You need not be a part of an incident to make a complaint.
- You do not have to know any of the persons involved.
- You may make a complaint as a witness to an incident.
- If you believe you have a valid complaint, constructive criticism, or police personnel have conducted themselves improperly…you can report it.
- Our goal is to give you the best possible police service and quality of personnel.
Filing a Complaint or Making a Compliment
A complaint or compliment may be made orally or in writing at any time of the day or night to any police supervisory personnel. Usually, an explanation of the situation in person, by telephone, or by mail is all that is needed to initiate a review or investigation of the matter. If you call or come to the Police Department, you will be referred to an on-duty supervisor.
- Phone: Monday through Thursday 8 am to 5 pm call the Police Department to speak to the Captain of the Uniformed Bureau. Weekends and after-hours call the Police Department to leave a message for the Captain of the Uniformed Bureau.
- Write: Chief of Police
Boone Police Department
1500 Bowing Rock Road
Boone, NC 28607 - Email: Contact the Chief of Police
When making a complaint, please try to include as much of the following information as possible, such as employee(s) name, badge number, and/or vehicle number. If you do not have this information, simply explain what happened by providing the date, time, and location of the incident.
Interview Process for Complaints
If you are involved in or witnessed the incident, it is extremely important to the investigation that you provide a statement. Your statement may be recorded, and in some cases, will be included as part of the complaint. During the initial interview, the supervisor may be able to explain the employee's actions to your satisfaction.
During the interview, the following may occur:
- The supervisor may be able to explain what happened.
- The complaint may be issued a case number.
- The complaint may be assigned to a supervisor or Internal Affairs.
- With your knowledge, you may be voice recorded or videotaped.
- You will be asked for names of witnesses that may know facts about your complaint.
Complaint Classification
After a thorough investigation, your complaint will be classified with one of the following dispositions:
- Sustained: The allegation is shown to be true.
- Not Sustained: The allegation can neither be proved nor disproved and no further action is to be considered.
- Unfounded: The allegation has no basis of fact or has been disproved through the investigation.
- Exonerated: Action complained of did occur, but was lawful, justified, and appropriate under the circumstances in this case.
Investigation Information
If it is determined, as a result of the investigation, that the actions of police personnel were improper or illegal, the personnel involved will be disciplined pursuant to established procedures of the department and city, and/or the case may be referred to the District Attorney for possible criminal action.
Within 15 days after completion of the investigation, you will be notified either by telephone, by email, or by mail of the disposition or status of your complaint, unless you tell us such notification is not desired.
You will not receive any information regarding disciplinary, or corrective actions imposed on the employee resulting from the investigation. By law, this information is deemed confidential and may not be disclosed.
Dissatisfaction
If you are not satisfied with the investigation, you may contact Major Shane Robbins or contact Communications. The major will review the information with the command staff and contact you back.