Frequently Asked Questions

Your Decatur Police Department is dedicated to providing the best police service possible to all of Decatur's citizens. Your police officers are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service. However, you may have occasion to lodge a complaint about the actions of a member of the Decatur Police Department. In order to be responsive to you, we are providing the following information about how complaints are made, how they are investigated, and their results.

What is a complaint?

A complaint is an expression of formal discontent or accusation made in a written or verbal form that alleges criminal conduct, misconduct, neglect of duty, corrupt activity, violation of rules or regulations of the Police Department, or other violation of City of Decatur, Illinois, rules or regulations.

Can I talk to a Police supervisor about my complaint?

YES. Police supervisors will speak to you about a complaint. It is not necessary for you to make a written complaint.

Does the complaint process address guilt or innocence?

NO. The complaint process is not intended to address an expression of dissatisfaction that SOLELY addresses guilt or innocence. That will be determined by a court of law. The complaint process will have NO impact upon pending court action.

Is there a penalty for filing a false police report?

YES. Illinois Criminal Statutes, Chapter 720 ILCS 5/26-1 (4), provides that filing a false report with the police is a criminal offense. Also the same civil remedies available to citizens are available to police officers.

How is my complaint investigated?

The complaint is reviewed by the Chief of Police. The complaint is then assigned for investigation by a supervisor. Upon completion of the investigation, a recommendation is made to the Chief of Police for disposition. The Chief of Police may concur with the recommendation, modify the disposition or order further investigation.

Will I be notified of the disposition?

YES. You will be notified of the disposition within two weeks of making the complaint. If the investigation cannot be completed within that period, you will be informed of the status of the investigation at the end of the two week period.

Do I have the right to appeal?

YES. You may appeal the initial disposition by having a meeting with the Chief of Police. If you so desire, you may then appeal to the City Manager.

What happens if an employee is found to have acted wrongfully?

Aside from arrests arising out of criminal conduct, an employee may be subjected to the following processes if found to be in violation of the rules:

• He/she may be cited for additional training
• He/she may be verbally reprimanded
• He/she may receive a formal written reprimand
• He/she may be suspended from duty for up to 3 days by the Chief of Police
• The Chief may file charges for suspension in excess of 3 days or seek dismissal before the Decatur Civil Service Commission

Any disciplinary action against an employee must conform to City of Decatur rules, Police Department rules, union contracts in force, State Statutes and local Civil Services rules.

Where do I file my complaint?

You may present your complaint in person, file an electronic complaint via the Internet, or mail your complaint to the Decatur Police Department, 333 S. Franklin St., Decatur, Illinois, 62523 and/or you may call the Decatur Police Department, 217/424-2711.

Click here to file a complaint via the Internet.

How do I complete the complaint form?

Include on the complaint form (Form 8-145-3) your name, address and phone number. Although the Decatur Police Department does accept anonymous complaints, if you identify yourself, then you will be informed of the disposition of your complaint. Include in your complaint a statement in which you state the facts surrounding your complaint, to include the names and addresses of witnesses, names of officers and any additional information that would assist in a speedy investigation.

The Decatur Police Department is vitally interested in the welfare of all Decatur citizens and in taking action where its employees have proven derelict in their duties or are guilty of wrongdoing. If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation.

By the same token, if you have occasion to see a police officer doing outstanding work, tell him or us about it. Your City of Decatur police officers are individuals who are dedicated to serving you and our community.