COMMENDATION OR COMPLAINT

Commend or complain about a member of the Barrington Hills Police Department here.

The Barrington Hills Police Department strives to maintain well trained, professional employees. To maintain this high level of professionalism, the Department recognizes the commendable efforts of its employees and fully investigates instances of alleged misconduct.

COMMENDATIONS

If you wish to commend the performance of a Department employee, a letter or note may be sent to the Chief of Police, outlining the nature of the employee's actions. A copy of your letter will be given to the employee, placed in the employee's personnel file, publicly posted within the police department, and forwarded to the Village President and Board Members.

TRAFFIC CITATION COMPLAINTS

The issuance of a traffic or compliance citation occasionally creates a conflict between officers and citizens. Because the Judge is a neutral fact-finder, it is the Department's policy to refer complaints about the propriety of a citation to the Circuit Court.

PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS .

It is the policy of the Barrington Hills Police Department to investigate all allegations of misconduct. An investigation is conducted to determine the validity of any allegation, to deter future misconduct and administer appropriate disciplinary action, and to review Department Procedures.
Unfortunately, the function of law enforcement brings police employees into contact with people under difficult circumstances. Whether issuing citations, investigating accidents, or resolving disputes, the task is a difficult one. However, Department employees are expected to deal with every person in a courteous and professional manner.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

If you have a complaint or concern about the manner in which an employee conducted him/herself, you may request to talk to the Watch Commander. In the absence of a Watch Commander, your name, address, telephone number and the nature of your complaint will be recorded and forwarded to the involved member's highest Ranking Supervisor.
The Watch Commander will document your complaint and provide an explanation to you when possible. The Watch Commander will forward the complaint and his/her observations to the Chief of Police for review. If the complaint is not resolved by the Watch Commander, or if you request, the Chief of Police will contact you. If you wish to talk to the Chief of Police, you may do so Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

o A written complaint form will be completed by the Watch Commander whenever a complaint is made about a Department employee.
o You are not required to give your name. However, please remember anonymous complaints are difficult to investigate.
o The employee has a right to know the charge made against him/her and the identity of the person making the complaint.
o The Lieutenant of Investigations is responsible for the Department's Internal Affairs Function. An investigator may be assigned to gather and receive evidence.
o It is essential that the public have confidence in the ability of the Department to investigate and properly adjudicate complaints against its employees. The Department assures you that there will be no retaliation against you.
o Your complaint will not be published in the newspaper. All complaints against Department employees are kept confidential unless criminal charges result.

RESULTS

o After thorough investigation, if the employee's actions are found to be inappropriate, disciplinary action will be determined by the seriousness of the infraction. Actions range from additional training or reprimand to suspension. In extreme cases termination may be appropriate.
o After the investigation is concluded, the Chief of Police will inform you of the results, usually in writing.
o If you are not satisfied with the results of the Department's investigation, you are encouraged to contact the Chief of Police to discuss the matter, or to meet with the Village President. In the case of criminal violations, you are encouraged to contact the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
o If a complaint is made based upon a good faith belief of truth and the employee is ultimately exonerated, the case will be ended. If the complaint was knowingly false or intended merely to embarrass or discredit the employee, criminal charges or a civil suit may be brought against those making false statements.

WE VALUE YOUR VIEW
A citizen complaint is not taken lightly. At a minimum, it will cause the Department to review its procedures. Further, the events leading to a complaint are discussed with the employee as a useful training tool - helping to fortify the Department's commitment toward professionalism.