Investigations

The complaint investigative process strives to provide complainants with a thorough, impartial, objective, and timely avenue for review of their grievances against CDP employees, and at the same time protect Division employees from false allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the investigative process, precise procedures have been established for the receipt, investigation, and adjudication of misconduct complaints.

In addition to the receipt and processing of a complaint, the investigation will typically involve the gathering of testimonial evidence, documentary evidence (reports, photographs, etc.), physical or forensic evidence.

Physical evidence may include such things as objects, fingerprints, footprints, handprints, or marks left behind by tools or weapons. Forensic evidence may include such things as bruises or bite marks.

Testimonial evidence is gathered by taking statements or conducting recorded interviews from the complainant who filed the complaint and all witnesses who may have factual information pertaining to the complaint. Statements may also be taken from persons who have specialized knowledge regarding the complaint or the circumstances related to the complaint.  Officers and other personnel will be interviewed in most circumstances as well.

In addition to the gathering of physical and testimonial evidence, Investigators will also seek to gather documentary evidence such as reports, activity sheets, 911 calls, dispatch reports, crime scene materials, as well as video or audio recordings that may be related to the complaint.