The Palos Hills Police Department makes consistent and expeditious investigations of complaints against agency employees. The department protects the rights of each employee during the investigation, and makes the investigation without prejudice.
Citizens are encouraged to report incidents of misconduct by agency employees. Complaints must be filed in person. Complaints should be address to the on-duty watch commander. If a complaint is about a supervisor, it can be addressed through the administration.
When filing a complaint of a serious nature, a “Citizens Complaint” form must be filled out. The on-duty watch commander can give you a complaint form to fill out, and that complaint must be sworn to by the complainant. All complaints will be investigated.
If the complaint is of a minor nature (inadequate police service, discourtesy, or improper procedure) the watch commander will attempt to rectify the situation for the complainant. The watch commander will submit the Citizen Complaint form, his investigation and the action taken to the Deputy Chief of Operations for his review. If the watch commander cannot rectify the complaint, the complaint will be forwarded to the Deputy Chief of Operations for review and a possible internal investigation.
Complaints of a serious nature will be documented on the Citizen Complaint form by the complainant, the watch commander will investigate, and submit to the Deputy Chief of Operations. The Chief of Police will then review the findings of the Deputy Chief and determine the appropriate action to be taken.
During the course of the investigation, the complainant will be apprized of the status of the investigation. When the investigation is completed, the Chief of Police, or his designee will advise the complainant of the disposition of the complaint.
Warning: Police officers of all ranks are protected from false, misleading or exaggerated complaints by the Illinois State Law. Persons filing false or misleading or exaggerated complaints are subject to civil action if the police officer is cleared of the complaint. Illinois Criminal Code, 720, ILCS 5/26-1(4).
