COMPLAINT PROCESS

Complaints must be made by the person who claims to be aggrieved and within 30 days of the incident complained about, except in exceptional cases such as criminal misconduct or when good cause can be shown by the person complaining. Complaints are accepted anonymously, orally, or in a signed written form. However, written signed complaints are much more helpful in the Department’s efforts to improve its public service. The Department’s disposition of anonymous and oral complaints will be limited. Just as citizens who are arrested must be told the charges against them, a police employee must be given a copy of the complaint before any disciplinary action is taken.

The Chief of Police will review the complaint and may determine there is no need for further investigation, determine there is a need for further investigation by the employee's immediate supervisor, or that there is a need for further investigation by an investigator within the Criminal Investigations Division. You will receive notification of the determination made by the Chief of Police.

The person assigned investigative responsibility for the complaint will assemble appropriate witness interviews, documentation, and evidence into an investigative packet for review by the employee's supervisory chain of command. The Department strives to complete the investigative process within thirty workdays and the review process within five workdays. However, workload, staffing, and the complexity of the investigation may adversely impact these goals.

If the complaint is sustained (proven true), the employee will receive appropriate discipline and/or training. The Department employs progressive disciplinary measures that include: (Documented) oral counseling, written reprimand, suspension, demotion, and indefinite suspension. Where evidence supports a finding of improper action based on faulty policy or training, the result may be policy or training failure. In such cases, training or policy amendment may be implemented instead of disciplinary measures. In the event the complaint is not supported by sufficient evidence, it will not be sustained. If the complaint is proven false or not factual, it will be unfounded. If the incident complained of occurred as reported, but the employee's actions were lawful and proper, the disposition will be exonerated.

After the review process, you will be notified in writing of the disposition of the complaint and the action taken.

COMPLIMENT A HIDALGO POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE

If a Hidalgo Police Department employee has done a good job and you want to say thanks, you may elect to do one of the following:

1. Call or visit the Hidalgo Police Department during regular business hours and ask to speak to a supervisor within the employee’s division of assignment.

2. Complete a Compliment form and send it via US Postal Service to:

Hidalgo Police Department

Office of the Chief of Police

211 E. Esperanza Hidalgo, TX 78557

Your comments will be forwarded through the employee’s chain of command and will be reviewed by the Office of the Chief of Police. After the review, a copy of your comments will be placed in the employee’s personnel file, and the original document will be provided to the employee.