Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office

Citizen Commendation and Complaint Procedure

Introduction

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office is proud to provide professional, quality law enforcement services to the citizens and visitors of Vanderburgh County.

In order for the sheriff's office to continue providing the highest quality service, the performance of it's employees must be monitored. 

The sheriff's office is sincerely interested in rewarding above average performance and in taking corrective action in those instances where an employee fails to meet our standards. 

This information will provide you with information regarding:

  • Recognition for an employee whose work is considered worthy of praise; or

  • Making a complaint against an employee who is believed to have acted improperly. 

Complaint Procedure

It is the policy of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office to investigate all allegations and complaints of misconduct against any member of the sheriff's office. Proper adherence to the provisions of this policy will clear the innocent and facilitate prompt equitable corrective disciplinary actions. 

To make a complaint against a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office employee, notification should be made to a department supervisor:

  • By coming in person to the Sheriff's Command  Post on US Hwy 41 North or to the Sheriff's Administration Office at the Vanderburgh County Detention Center at 3500 N. Harlan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711.

  • By writing the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Chief Deputy, 3500 N. Harlan Ave, Evansville, IN  47711; or Professional Standards Unit at 5607 US Hwy 41 North, Evansville, IN  47711 or;

  • By telephone at (812)-435-5713 or (812)-421-6203.

Letters or telephone calls can be anonymous. Any complaint received by any member of the department will be directed to supervisory personnel immediately.   

On all complaints, a sheriff's office supervisor, based on the information provided will complete a Citizen Complaint Form.

If the allegation of misconduct is extremely serious in nature, the Sheriff or Chief Deputy will be notified as soon as possible. Examples of extremely serious allegations include complaints against command personnel, complaints of excessive use-of-force or complaints of criminal activity.

Complaints received concerning employees will be assigned to the employee's supervisor or division commander in the following instance:

  • Complaints of harassment;

  • Complains of demeanor;

  • Violations of lesser rules involving criminal activity.

An internal affairs investigator will be responsible for investigations of the following:

  • Complaints involving criminal activity;

  • Complaints against command personnel;

  • Complaints of sexual harassment;

  • instances involving the discharge of a firearm;

  • excessive use-of-force complaints.

Our objective is to complete a thorough and impartial investigation disclosing the truth. Every effort will be expended to satisfactorily conclude the investigation. This includes referring the complainant to an outside agency, such as the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, where necessary.

The Sheriff, after reviewing all the facts, makes the final decision on the validity of the complaint, and if founded, the discipline to be administered. The possible discipline ranges from verbal reprimand to dismissal. If the officer's conduct was criminal in nature, the matter is referred to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. 

Notification will be made to the reporting party informing them of the results of the departmental investigation. If the complaint was made anonymously, notification cannot be made. In internal investigations involving a great amount of time the Chief Deputy or Sheriff may send a letter explaining the status of the investigation. 

Commendation Procedure

To commend or compliment the performance of a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office employee, notify a Sheriff's Office Supervisor:

  • By coming in person to the Sheriff's Command  Post on US Hwy 41 North or to the Sheriff's Administration Office at the Vanderburgh County Detention Center at 3500 N. Harlan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711 or;

  • By writing the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Chief Deputy, 3500 N. Harlan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711; or Professional Standards Unit at 5607 US Hwy 41 North, Evansville, IN  47711 or;

  • By telephone at (812)-435-5713 or (812)-421-6203..

When a compliment or commendation is received verbally, a memorandum citing the facts will be completed by the receiving employee and forwarded through the chain of command, to the Sheriff.

When a compliment or commendation is received by mail, it will be forwarded through the chain of command to the Sheriff.

Letters of commendation from citizens are posted for all office employees to view, and placed in the employee's file. The sheriff's office and it's employees appreciate the effort and consideration of concerned citizens who take the time to commend employee performance.

For more information regarding commendation or complaint procedures you may email Captain Steve Woodall @ swoodall@vanderburghsheriff.com

                                   

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