Professional Standards Feedback Forms

Responsibilities  

The West University Place Police Department values a relationship of trust with the citizens it serves. To ensure that concerns regarding ethics and integrity are properly addressed, the department has established procedures to investigate and resolve such issues. Reporting directly to the Chief of Police, these procedures focus on the following:

Correction of Procedural Problems: The department is committed to continuous improvement. Occasionally, investigations reveal faulty procedures that might have gone unnoticed otherwise.

Protection of the Department: The department is often judged by the conduct of its employees. It is vital to ensure that the organization, as a whole, remains free from public criticism due to the misconduct of a few. The community must trust that the department will fairly and impartially investigate its members.

Protection of the Employee: Employees must be shielded from false allegations. A thorough and consistent investigative process ensures that their rights are protected, and all evidence is appropriately collected.

Protection of the Public: The public is entitled to receive fair, efficient, and impartial law enforcement. The department ensures this by detecting, investigating, and addressing employee misconduct.

Removal of Unfit Personnel: Employees who engage in serious misconduct or demonstrate unfitness for the law enforcement profession must be removed to protect the public, the department, and fellow employees.

Employee Commendations

Commendations help the Department gauge citizen satisfaction with our organization's performance We encourage you to share your positive experiences with us by completing this online form.

Employee Complaints

The department is dedicated to delivering exceptional service in a professional manner, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens and visitors. Officers are often required to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations with limited information. Despite these challenges, they are expected to remain courteous, professional, and respectful of the rights of all individuals while performing their duties.

If a citizen believes an officer or employee has acted inappropriately, they have the right to file a complaint. We are committed to thoroughly investigating all complaints to uphold the integrity of the department and protect the rights and interests of both citizens and employees.

The Complaint Process

Texas State Law (Government Code 614.022) requires that all complaints against police officers be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, police officers must be given copies of complaints before any disciplinary action may be taken. The person who claims to be aggrieved must make the complaint; other persons may give statements as witnesses.

Please note: Traffic ticket issues or differences of opinion between officers and citizens over the issuance of the traffic ticket will not be investigated unless there is a specific allegation of misconduct against members of the Department.

Complaints are classified by the type of complaint (Service or Personnel) and scope of complaint (Major or Minor). Service complaints are about the service or lack of service received from the Department. Generally, they are not directed towards a specific employee. Personnel complaints are about a specific employee's performance or actions.

Personnel complaints are classified as either Major or Minor. Minor complaints are addressed by the employee's immediate supervisor. Major complaints are investigated by the command staff, with assistance from the Criminal Investigation Division if the complaint involves criminal conduct.

Complaint Form

Complaints can be submitted by completing a complaint form. The form must be printed, filled out, and returned in person to the West University Place Police Department. The complaint will be reviewed and investigated by the command staff. Most complaints are investigated and resolved within 14 business days, although extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Complainants will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation within 45 days of receiving the complaint.

Sustained Complaints

Actions taken against an employee for sustained misconduct can range from counseling or retraining to suspension or termination. The severity of the misconduct and the employee's overall performance history within the department are taken into account when determining the appropriate course of action.

Unfounded Complaints

Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the complaint, the officer is notified and continues on duty.

Appeals

Just as citizens charged with criminal offenses have the right to appeal a court's decision, police officers also have the right to appeal actions taken against them. The City of West University Place has established procedures for employees to file their appeals.

False Complaints

People who intentionally make false complaints or allegations violate Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code. Texas law provides punishment for an individual who makes a False Report to a Peace Officer that is material to a criminal investigation. The West University Place Police Department provides this information to avoid retaliation against police officers or department staff.