Professional Standards Mission Statement
The Glendale Police Department, in partnership with the citizens of Glendale, is committed to improving the quality of life in our city by identifying and resolving public safety concerns.
Police Officers are sworn to protect the rights of all citizens. This also applies to those who are arrested and taken into custody.
The men and women of the Glendale Police Department take this charge seriously and, for that reason, we have adopted internal safeguards to discourage abuses of authority by police officers. Complaints regarding such abuses are taken very seriously and are vigorously investigated.
If you feel a Glendale Police employee has acted in an unprofessional manner towards you or others, We encourage you to report that officer to a police supervisor. See 'A Guide to the Citizen Complaint Process' which will help explain our department’s citizen complaint process.
The Department is committed to providing excellent customer service. We would also like to hear from you if you know of an employee who has done something for which you believe they should receive recognition.
A guide to the citizen complaint process
Protecting Your Rights is Our Business
The Glendale Police Department takes its responsibility and commitment to citizens very seriously. This is evident by the fact that the department thoroughly investigates every complaint it receives against police personnel.
All investigations are conducted in a fair and expeditious manner in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Who can make a complaint?
Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct may file a complaint. It doesn't matter whether the person making the complaint was directly involved in the incident.
When should a complaint be made?
Call the police department if you witness or learn of police misconduct. This misconduct may relate to excessive use of force, unethical conduct, discourteous or abusive actions, or a violation of a city, state or federal law.
The responsibility of a complainant.
The Glendale Police Department views all allegations of impropriety against its police personnel seriously and actively conducts an investigation on employee misconduct. For this reason, the complainant must ensure that their complaint is based on fact.
False reporting in an attempt to unjustly discipline or defame police personnel or to place their employment in jeopardy can result in criminal charges or civil suit by the employee involved.
How can a complaint be filed?
Complaints can be filed in several ways:
- Contact the supervisor of the police employee involved. The telephone number for making a complaint is (623) 930-3000.
- Call the hotline and leave a detailed message for the Professional Standards Unit at (623) 930-4747.
- A complaint may also be filed by printing and completing a copy of the form in PDF Format and mailing it in.
- By e-mail to PSU@GlendaleAz.com
- Submitting the online form.
What is the complaint procedure?
In most cases the supervisor of the accused employee conducts the investigation. When the allegations are of a very serious nature, the investigation may be conducted by the department's Professional Standards Unit. This usually involves incidents that could result in demotion, termination, or criminal charges.
The investigating supervisor reviews the facts and circumstances of the incident by interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. When completed, the supervisor reports the incident and submits the findings through the chain of command within the appropriate bureau to determine the final outcome, including disciplinary action if necessary.
After the investigation is completed.
The final outcome of the investigation will fall into one of the following categories:
- Exonerated - The employee's conduct was proper or within department policy.
- Unfounded - The allegation was found to be false.
- Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
- Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.
- Partially Sustained - Part of the allegation was sustained, while other parts were not.
Following up with the complainant.
The complainant will be advised of the supervisor's findings. City, state and federal laws govern a police employee's privacy rights. As a result, disciplinary action is not subject to disclosure without a court order.
Contact Information:
Professional Standards Unit
623-930-4747
PSU@Glendaleaz.com
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