FAQs • Tiburon, CA • CivicEngage

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE OFFICER?: That will depend on what he/she did. It will also depend on the individual officer’s record. If his actions were criminal, he will be dealt with like any other citizen. If they were improper, but not criminal, he will be given corrective counseling or discipline by his superiors.

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Personnel Complaints

1. DO YOU HAVE TO COMPLAIN IN PERSON?: No. We would prefer to talk to you in person, but we will accept a complaint by telephone or letter. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may still file a complaint. However, we will not be able to respond back to you directly, nor will we be able to clarify conflicting information given to us. We encourage you to utilize the Citizen’s Form that is provided in order that we may conduct as professional an investigation as possible.

2. WHO WILL INVESTIGATE YOUR COMPLAINT?: Generally, your complaint will be investigated by the employee’s supervisor. Under special circumstances, it may be assigned to a special investigator.

3. DO JUVENILES HAVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A COMPLAINT?: Yes. If you are under 18 years of age, you may still file a complaint, although we would prefer that you bring a parent or guardian with you. We also require your parent or legal guardian to sign the Citizen Form.

4. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE OFFICER?: That will depend on what he/she did. It will also depend on the individual officer’s record. If his actions were criminal, he will be dealt with like any other citizen. If they were improper, but not criminal, he will be given corrective counseling or discipline by his superiors.

5. WILL A CITIZEN COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AFFECT OTHER PROCEEDINGS?: Traffic citations or arrest charges will not be dismissed because of a personnel complaint investigation, unless the investigation conclusively proves that no basis for the citation or arrest can be established.

6. WILL THE CHIEF OF POLICE KNOW ABOUT THE COMPLAINT?: Yes, The Chief of Police receives all of the complaints against the officers and, ultimately, reviews the investigation conducted into the citizen complaint.

7. WILL I FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND WHAT ACTION IS TAKEN AGAINST THE OFFICER?: Under current State law, the investigation and any disciplinary action taken is protected by the officer’s right to privacy. However, current State law allows and you will be told the disposition of your complaint.

8. TO WHOM SHOULD THE COMPLAINT BE REPORTED?: Complaints may be filed in person with any supervisor at the Tiburon Police Department. If you do not wish to file your complaint in person, you may telephone or mail directly to the Chief of Police.