Commendation and Complaint Procedure

Professional Standards Statement

Our goal is to respond fairly and effectively to allegations of employee misconduct. 

Integrity and honesty are paramount to our profession and it is expected of all employees.  Integrity produces an atmosphere of credibility and honesty produces an environment of trust.  Integrity is our standard; it is the cornerstone of our profession.  

A proper relationship fostered by confidence and trust between the Storm Lake Police Department and the citizens and visitors to the City of Storm Lake is essential to effective law enforcement.

 How to compliment the actions or performance of a Storm Lake Police Employee?

• Call the Police Department at 712-732-8010 or stop by the department and ask to speak to a supervisor and verbally communicate your thanks.
• Write a letter or send an email to the Storm Lake Police Department commending the employee. (slpd@stormlake.org)
• Complete the Commendation / Complaint form at the Storm Lake Police Department or request a form by email.

Commendation letters are forwarded to the Department member and a copy is placed in the employee’s permanent personnel file.

What is considered a personnel complaint?
A complaint of wrongdoing or inappropriate action on the part of any employee of the Storm Lake Police Department.

How do I file a complaint against a Police Department employee?
When a person has a complaint against a police department employee (sworn or civilian), the complaint may be filed in person, by telephone, or by completing the citizen commendation/complaint form and sending it to the Chief of Police. This form is available in person at the Storm Lake Police Department or by request by emailing slpd@stormlake.org or online.

What is the investigative process for complaints?
When a person files a complaint, it may be considered a formal or informal complaint.  Informal complaints are minor in nature and can be resolved without a formal process and may be referred to the employee's supervisor.  The supervisor will investigate the complaint, communicate with the initial caller, and identify a resolution to the complaint.  Formal complaints will be presented to the City Manager and Chief of Police, who will appoint an investigator to conduct a complete investigation of the complaint filed.  The findings of the investigation will be reported to the City Manager and Civil Service Commission when applicable.

What type of complaints will not be taken?
Complaints alleging disagreements on traffic or parking tickets, or probable cause for an arrest are examples of complaints that may not be taken. These decisions are for the court to decide and generally are not subject to review by the Storm Lake Police Department.

Who is responsible for investigating complaints?
In most cases, a supervisor specially trained in these types of investigations will conduct the investigation with the disposition of each case being reviewed by the Chief of Police. 

Will the Police Department employee be told about the complaint?
Yes. As in the case with any potentially punitive process, the accused is afforded the right of knowing what he/she is accused of and who the accusers are. This is done in fairness to the employee just as it is for any other person.

How long will the investigation take?
Whenever possible, the investigation will be concluded within 30 days unless unusual circumstances warrant an extension.  The Department will make every effort to keep the complainant advised of the progress of the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, the complainant will be notified.

Will I be told how the complaint was resolved?
Both the complainant and the accused employee will be notified of the results. Because of privacy laws, specific facts of the case will not be revealed.  It is possible that some allegations may be sustained, and others not sustained based on the investigation.

What if the allegation/complaint turns out to be false?
If a complaint is made on a good faith belief of truth and the Department member is later exonerated, the case will be ended.  However, if it is determined that the allegation was intentionally falsely made or intended to discredit or embarrass the Department member, you may be subject to criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.