If you feel that a member of the Escalon Police Department or Animal Control has acted in a way that was illegal, immoral, or unethical, you have the right to file a complaint. To file a formal complaint, you can contact one of the sergeants to voice your concerns or complete an on-line complaint form.
COMPLAINT PROCESS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The City of Escalon Police Department realizes it must be responsive to input from the citizens in the community. The complaint must be in good faith and the
Department pledges to respond swiftly, thoroughly, and fairly to bona fide reports of alleged misconduct
Not all contacts with the police are of an unfavorable nature, which would cause a complaint to be made. The greater majority of these contacts involve public assistance, information or, in some cases, life-saving action by a police officer.
The City of Escalon Police Department will always seek ways to improve our services to the community. We have pledged ourselves to professional and dedicated police service. To help us maintain this objective, we sincerely appreciate your comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean the Police Department wants complaints?
Of course not. A complaint may mean that someone hasn't done a good enough job. But, we do want to know when our service needs to be improved or corrected.
But will you listen to my complaint?
Certainly. We want to find out what went wrong, if anything; so that we can see to it that it doesn't happen again.
Who would investigate my complaint?
Either a special investigator assigned by the Chief of Police or the officers supervisor would investigate a complaint against an officer.
Well. Then. Who should I go to First?
You should take a complaint about an officer to his supervisor. If he/she isn't there, ask for the on-duty Supervisor. The Chief of Police gets copies of all complaints against officers.
Do I have to complain in person?
No. We prefer to talk to you in person, however, if there are valid reasons this can't be done, your compliant can be made over the phone or by mail. Generally, we do not accept a complaint from another party on your behalf, as this would be considered to be hearsay information and could leave out important facts needed for an investigation. After receiving your complaint, a department supervisor will contact you.
I'm under 18: Do I have a right to complain?
Yes, just bring one or both of your guardians in with you. Will I have to write my complaint out?
We have found it's much easier to investigate a written complaint, so we prefer them that way. If there is a valid reasons this can't be done, we'll make arrangements.
How close will you really investigate?
Very Closely! We want to find out where we went wrong. On the other hand, if a person makes a FALSE complaint, we want to make that determination.
What will happen to the officer?
That will depend on what he did. If his actions were criminal, he would be dealt with like any other person. If they were improper, but not criminal, he will be disciplined by the Chief of Police. You will be notified by the Department of the disposition of our investigation.
We sincerely hope that you are satisfied with the results of this investigation. If you are unsatisfied, an appointment would be made for you with the Chief of Police to discuss the complaint. You could also contact the City Manager. Our goal is that you will never need to use the information contained in this brochure and provide you the best service.
It is desirable that you come to the Escalon Police Department where your complaint can be received during a personal interview. All information received will be treated confidentially by the Escalon Police Department.
A parent or guardian's signature is required on any complaint filed by a person under 18 years of age.
When filing your complaint, you will be asked to provide the following information:
1. Your name, address, telephone number, and date of birth.
2. The name, address, telephone number, and date of birth or age of the alleged victim, if other than yourself.
3. The date, day, time, and location of the incident about which you are complaining.
4. The names of any witnesses, their addresses, and telephone numbers, if available.
5. The name, address, and telephone number of any persons arreste dduring the incident.
6. The name, badge number, or identifying description of the officer(s) involved.
If you have none of this information. simply tell what happened, and the time and location of the incident.
7. Give a narrative description of the events giving rise to your complaint.
An investigator from the Escalon Police Department shall contact all witnesses, examine any relevant physical evidence, and gather all information pertinent to each allegation made in the complaint. After completion of the investigation, a complaint disposition of sustained or not sustained shall be made, based on each alleged act of misconduct.
While citizen complaints are investigated by a member assigned by the Chief of Police, the final disposition on the case will be made by the Chief of Police. When complaints are found to be sustained, the Chief of Police shall determine and administer appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. The Chief of Police may consider one or more of the following: training; oral or written reprimand; suspension; and termination.
We have up to a year to complete the investigation, but we attempt to ensure they are completed within 30 days from the time it was assigned to an investigator. Normally the investigations are completed within this time period.
You will be notified by letter of the completion of the investigation.
Gustavo Flores, Chief of Police
If you would like to file a complaint, you may call the on duty sergeant at (209) 838-7093, come to the Escalon Police Department to pick-up a complaint form, or click here to go to the on-line complaint form.