Mesa Police Department Internal Affairs
Complaint Process
 

Who may file a complaint?

Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of suspected misconduct may contact the Internal Affairs Unit to initiate a complaint. It doesn't matter whether the person making the complaint was directly involved in the incident. Anonymous complaints will be taken. If you decide to remain anonymous, please ensure to provide information about the misconduct that can be proven by other evidence.

How is a complaint filed?

Generally, complaints are filed through the supervisor of the involved employee. If the employee's supervisor is not known, the complaint may be filed with the Internal Affairs Unit. A complaint may be filed in person, by telephone, fax, on-line form, or letter. A complaint may also be filed by printing and completing a copy of the Citizen Complaint Form (PDF) and mailing it in.

If you choose not to use the Citizen Complaint Form (PDF), please ensure written correspondence includes the following information:

• Date, time, and location of the incident.
• Your name, address (including zip code), and daytime phone number.
• Mesa Police Department case number.
• Name of Department employee(s) involved.
• A brief description of the complaint.

When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them and be mindful that you will be asked specific questions regarding the incident.

Who investigates the complaint?

Complaints filed with the Internal Affairs Unit are reviewed by the unit commander. The complaint may be referred to the employee's supervisor for investigation or it can be assigned to an Internal Affairs investigator. You will receive written notification when your complaint has been received.

The investigation of the complaint will focus on the conduct of the employee, not criminal or civil charges against you. Any criminal or civil charges against the complainant are a separate issue which must be decided by the appropriate court.

After the investigation is completed...

You will be notified, by mail, the outcome of the investigation. Following is a list of findings:

What is the disciplinary process?

If a complaint is sustained, corrective training may occur. Disciplinary action may be taken; this can range from no penalty to dismissal. The matter will be handled administratively. City, state, and federal personnel laws govern an employee's privacy rights. Certain information contained in disciplinary records may not be public record.

Can a person get in trouble for filing a complaint?

Not if you are truthful. The Mesa Police Department will not take action against a person who has acted in good faith. However, be aware that per Arizona State Law, A.R.S. § 13-2907.01, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly make a false statement to a law enforcement agency.

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