Police Commendations and Complaints

In order to be responsive to the needs of the community, we encourage residents input.

How are we doing?

The Brooklyn Park Police Department is committed to providing the best service possible. Feedback from the public is essential if we are to succeed in this goal.

Your constructive comments about our service, good or bad, will help us improve and achieve our goal of providing the highest quality service possible. Please keep in mind the department’s mission, values and goals.

How to commend an officer

If you were pleased with the service from an officer and in particular if the officer has done something extraordinary, the Brooklyn Park Police Department encourages you to formally compliment the officer.

The best way to commend an officer is to write a brief letter, email or fill out our online form describing the incident and the actions of the officer demonstrated which you felt were exceptional.

If you choose not to write, you may speak with the individual’s supervisor and make a verbal commendation.

Complaints against officers

It is the policy of the Brooklyn Park Police Department to thoroughly investigate all complaints against its employees. To ensure the integrity of the Police Department, procedures have been established which will assure the prompt and thorough investigation of all alleged or suspected personnel misconduct.

Who may file a complaint

Any person who has experienced, witnessed, or has knowledge of police employee misconduct may make a complaint. Examples of misconduct may include:

• Commission of a criminal act
• Neglect of duty
• Violation of an agency policy, procedure, rule or regulation, code of conduct or training standard

How to file a complaint

To file a complaint against a Brooklyn Park Police Department employee you may fill out the online reporting form below. 

You may also complete a Personnel Complaint Form which is available 24 hours a day from the front lobby of the police department. When completed, please deliver it by mail or in person to the Brooklyn Park Police Department.

You may also call the employee’s supervisor at 763-493-8222 and report your concerns; however you may still be requested to complete a Police Conduct Incident Form.

What is the complaint process?

1. The complaint will be investigated by a department supervisor.
2. The complaint investigator will interview witnesses and other parties who can provide relevant information about the investigation. They will also review any applicable evidence and may interview the involved police employee.
3. The investigator will record his/her findings regarding the complaint and the results will be presented to a Command Staff Supervisor or the Administrative Review Panel.
4. The Command Staff or Administrative Review Panel will review the facts of the investigation and determine an appropriate disposition.
5. The Chief of Police has the final authority to either approve or disapprove of the recommended disposition

Dispositions classifications

Dispositions will be classified as one of the following:

• Unfounded: the investigation indicates the alleged misconduct did not occur.
• Exonerated: the investigation indicates that the complained about action occurred but was justified, lawful and proper.
• Not Sustained: the investigation finds that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
• Sustained: the investigation discloses the alleged misconduct did in fact occur in the manner or degree stated.
• Sustained with Qualifications: the investigation discloses that the action complained about did in fact occur, but not in the manner or to the degree stated.

If the complaint is Sustained or Sustained with Qualifications, one or more of the following actions will be taken:

• Coaching/counseling (may be noted in the employee’s annual review).
• Oral reprimand: placed in employee’s personnel file.
• Written reprimand: placed in employee’s personnel file.
• Suspension: employee is suspended from duty without pay.
• Termination: employer initiated separation of employment.

What will you be told?

Once the investigation has been completed and approved, the investigating supervisor will contact the complainant and the outcome of the investigation will be explained. The city must comply with state and federal laws pertaining to employee privacy rights, therefore only the finding will be disclosed.

Our commitment to you

Complaints about alleged employee misconduct are opportunities for our department to identify actions by our employees that are inappropriate or to educate other about why the conduct was lawful and appropriate. In either case, the community and Brooklyn Park Police Department benefit from gaining your input. We are committed to providing quality police service to the public. Working with you, we will perform this service professionally and with integrity.