Citizen's Complaint

Introduction

The following information is provided to you by the Milwaukee Police Department to inform you of the citizen complaint process.

Citizens, who wish to express dissatisfaction with members or policies of this Department, should adhere to the following guidelines to ensure that a complete and proper investigation is conducted.

As a citizen, if you believe you have been mistreated or have not received adequate service, you have a moral and legal right to express dissatisfaction with your police department. This will not only make you a responsible citizen, but your input will help to improve the department.

Because of the responsibilities imposed on all parties involved in the Citizen Complaint Process, the Milwaukee Police Department must inform you that Wisconsin Law, 946.66(2) False Complaints of Police Misconduct, states in part:

"Whoever, knowingly makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture."

If you believe a member of this department has acted improperly or has violated a Department Rule or Procedure, a federal or state law, or an ordinance of the city of Milwaukee, you may file a written complaint, However, false complaints will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.

What is a complaint - A complaint is a belief that a member of the Milwaukee Police Department has violated a Department Rule or Procedure, a federal or state law, or an ordinance of the city of Milwaukee, or dissatisfaction with a policy or procedure of the Milwaukee Police Department.

Who can file a complaint - In most cases, a complaint can be filed by any citizen or agent representing an aggrieved or injured party. However, the agent shall be limited to the following.

• An attorney
• Parent or Guardian of a child
• A translator representing a non-English speaking complainant

Agents can obtain a Citizen Complaint Form for the aggrieved or injured party and assist with its completion. A citizen complaint can be filed at any police district, bureau or division. All complaints reports are confidential.

What must be filed - In most cases, when a complaint is filed, a narrative of the complaint will be written by a supervisory officer on the Citizen Complaint Form. The citizen or agent will sign the Citizen Complaint Form and a copy will be provided. However, if more convenient for the citizen, the Citizen Complaint Form can be completed at a later time, and returned to the Milwaukee Police Department. If the Citizen Complaint Form is returned by mail it should be sent to the following address.

Milwaukee Police Department

Professional Performance Division

6680 North Teutonia Avenue

Room 325

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53209

The investigation - The Department will conduct a thorough investigation to include interviews of all available witnesses.

Who will investigate - Supervisors and /or Detectives, under the direction of the Internal Affairs Division, will conduct all complaint investigations. Their duty is to gather all the facts and present these facts for review.

Length of investigation - Most investigations will be completed within a timely manner. Complex investigations may take several months to complete.

The completed investigation - Once the initial complaint has been thoroughly investigated and all of the facts have been gathered, the completed investigation will be reviewed. This review will determine if there was compliance with Department Rules and Procedures, federal or state laws, ordinances of the city of Milwaukee, or policies and procedures of the Milwaukee Police Department

Decision of the Chief of Police - If the Chief of Police determines there is a violation of Department Rules and Procedures, federal or state laws, ordinances of the city of Milwaukee, or policies and procedures of the Milwaukee Police Department, criminal charges will be sought, disciplinary actions and or a change of policy may result.

Notification - When the final disposition has been made, a notification letter will be sent informing the complaining party of the outcome of the investigation.

Alternative complaint procedures - Citizens also have the option of having their complaints reviewed by the Fire and Police Commission. For further information regarding this procedure, contact the following.

Fire and Police Commission

200 East Wells Street - Room 706

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

414-286-5000

For further information on the Citizen Complaint Process, Please contact:

Milwaukee Police Department

Professional Performance Division

414-935-7942