The Hanover Park Police Department takes and investigates ALL complaints. This practice is prescribed by our written policy, which is reviewed by personnel on at least an annual basis. It is important to note that we will take complaints in any form. Historically, we have received complaints in person, voicemail, email, written letters, and social media messages as examples. Complaints can also be transmitted internally (i.e. employee complaining about another employee’s conduct).
Complaint forms are available at the front desk of the PD. Additionally, they can be emailed, faxed, or mailed to complainants. Once a complaint is received, the Deputy Chief of Support Services oversees the handling of this complaint. For less serious conduct, an informal inquiry is conducted. For serious policy violations, illegal activity, or other significant allegation, a formal inquiry is conducted. Formal inquiries generally involve allegations that, if found to be factual, could result in a suspension of more than three days or termination of the officer.
Following the investigation, the Deputy Chief ensures that the complainant is notified of the outcome of the case. This is done in writing. The Deputy Chief also tracks all internal investigations and completes an annual analysis. The results of this analysis are published here on this website and in the Annual Report for transparency purposes. Historically, we experience only a handful of internal investigations each year.
To learn more about internal investigations, click here.