FREQUENTLY ASKED COMPLAINT QUESTIONS
WHO WOULD INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINT?
Either the Chief of Police or his designee will investigate your complaint.
WHO SHOULD I GO TO FIRST?
You should take a complaint to the duty Shift Commander. Ask for the on-duty supervisor by calling (309) 454-9535.
WILL THE CHIEF OF POLICE KNOW ABOUT THE COMPLAINT?
Yes! The Chief of Police gets copies of all complaints against officers.
DO I MAKE MY COMPLAINT IN PERSON?
We do prefer to talk to you in person because if the matter is a minor misunderstanding, we may be able to resolve the problem quicker during a face-to-face conversation. We will also accept a complaint by letter.
I'M UNDER 18. DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT?
Yes.
WILL I HAVE TO PUT MY COMPLAINT IN WRITING?
We have found it is much easier to investigate a written compliant so we prefer them that way. If for some valid reason this cannot be done, we will make other arrangements.
HOW SERIOUSLY WILL MY COMPLAINT BE TAKEN?
Very seriously! We want to find out where we went wrong. By the same measure, if a person makes a FALSE complaint, we want to find that out. False complaints may result in appropriate legal action.
DOES THAT MEAN I COULD GET IN TROUBLE FOR COMPLAINING?
No, not if what you are telling us is the truth. We would not bring charges against a person who has acted in good faith. Making malicious or false allegations may get a person in trouble.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE OFFICER?
That will depend on what the officer did. If the officer’s actions were criminal, they will be dealt with like any other citizen. If the actions were improper, but not criminal, appropriate internal action will be initiated. It may also be a matter of training
WILL I BE TOLD THE RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION?
Absolutely. The Chief of Police or his designee will respond to you in writing.
WHAT IF I'M NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION?
We sincerely hope that will not be the case. If it does, you may contact the City Manager. In some cases, the McLean County State's Attorney or the Grand Jury may be contacted.