Report Police Misconduct

When a person has a complaint against a Police Department employee (sworn or civilian), you can file a formal complaint using the complaint form attached. You can also call the police department at 636-240-3200. If you want a follow-up, make sure to give your name and number. The complaint form is available at the O'Fallon Justice Center, or, you may print and fill it out Citizen Complaint Form (PDF) in advance.

Whenever possible, the investigation will be completed within thirty days unless unusual circumstances warrant an extension.

1. Exonerated:

1. The alleged incident did occur, but the actions of the officer were justified, legal and proper, or;
2. The officer's behavior was consistent with agency policy, but there was a policy failure.

2. Not involved:  The employee was not present at the time of the alleged misconduct.

3. Sustained:  The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to the clearly sustain the allegation.

4. Not sustained:  The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to the clearly sustain or disprove the allegation.

5. Unfounded:  The investigation indicated the alleged event did not occur.

A person who wishes to file a complaint involving violations of civil rights may also choose to make his/her complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice by contacting your local F.B.I. office.

If the complaint is made in a good faith belief of truth and the department member is exonerated, the case will be ended. However, if it is determined the allegation was intentionally falsely made or intended to discredit or embarrass the department member, you may be subject to criminal charges or civil remedies.

A complaint of wrong doing or inappropriate action on the part of any employee of the O'Fallon Police Department, sworn or civilian.

Complaints alleging disagreements on traffic or parking tickets or probable cause for an arrest are examples of complaints that may not be taken. These are decisions for the courts to determine and not subject to review by the O'Fallon Police Department.

In most cases, the employee's immediate supervisor will conduct the investigation with the disposition being forwarded to the Chief of Police.

Once the investigation is completed, the complainant will be notified of the findings. Because of privacy laws, specific facts and disciplinary actions will not be revealed.

Yes. As is the case with any punitive process, the accused is afforded the right of knowing what he/she is accused of and who the accuser(s) are. This is done in fairness to the employee just as it is for any other person.