A complaint may be initiated in person, by telephone, written letter, email or electronically. Complaints can be filed 24 hours a day with the police shift commander. During regular business hours, other administrative personnel are also available to take a complaint.

Yes, just have a parent, legal guardian or a responsible adult present with you.

No. However, anonymous complaints can be very difficult to investigate and thus the conclusion might not be what you expected. Also, if the investigation results in a criminal action against the employee, you may be subpoenaed into court for a successful prosecution.

Yes, the employee will be advised of the allegations made against him or her and, if the complainant has identified himself, the identity of the person making the allegation will be provided to the employee.

The Deputy Chief of Administration is responsible for the administration of internal investigations. Certain allegations, such as corruption, brutality, criminal violations etc., require a formal internal affairs investigation. Complaints of a lesser nature may be investigated by a police supervisor outside the employee's chain of command. The Department could also utilize other agencies to investigate criminal allegations against the employee. The disposition of all investigations are forwarded to the Deputy Chief of Administration.

If the investigation reveals misconduct, the employee will be disciplined according to the seriousness of the rules violation. Disciplinary actions range from oral reprimand to suspension and in extreme cases, termination. If the allegation is criminal in nature, the case will be presented to the Hamilton County prosecutor's Office for review and action. Other appropriate remedies include policy change and retraining.

Absolutely not! It is essential that public confidence be maintained which enhances the ability of the Department to investigate and properly adjudicate complaints against it's members. An employee who retaliates against you as a result of the filing of a complaint is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Department.

Minor complaints are often handled immediately. As a general rule, the investigation of serious charges should be concluded within thirty (30) days unless the circumstances necessitate additional time.

Once the investigation has been concluded, a member of the Administrative Staff will inform you in writing of the results if you have identified yourself when making the complaint.

Any person who believes that his/her allegations have not been taken seriously, investigated thoroughly or resolved satisfactorily by the Department may submit a letter stating his or her concerns to the Carmel City Attorney who, after investigation, shall notify the Board of Public Works and Safety in Executive Session. The BPWS would review the information and decide if the complaint required additional attention.

If you believe the complaint to be valid and the employee is ultimately exonerated, the case will be ended. However, if it is determined that the complaint was intentionally false and malicious, you may be subject to criminal charges or a civil suit.