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Online Forms;Complaints;House Checks
Complaints Against Officers
Citizens Complaint
The West Columbia Police Department is committed to providing exemplary customer service in a professional manner that ensures all citizens and visitors a safe and secure environment. Police officers have a difficult job to do. They are asked to exercise their best judgment under stressful, tense situations and often with limited information and time constraints. However, officers must also be courteous, professional and observe the rights of all citizens while performing their duties. If a citizen believes an officer or an employee has engaged in misconduct, they have the right to file a complainant.
It is the policy of the West Columbia Police Department to investigate all complainants against the department or its employees. This ensures the integrity of the department while protecting the rights and interests of both citizens and department employees.
How are Complaints Made?
A paper complaint needs to be printed, completed and returned to the West Columbia Police Department, 310 E Clay, West Columbia, Texas 77563. When a citizen lodges a complaint against a member of the police department, the complaint goes to the Chief of Police. The responsibilities of investigating the complaint will be determine by the chief of police depending on the nature of the complaint. Print Paper Complaint (PDF)
TEXAS STATE LAW (Government Code 614.022) requires that all complaints against police officers be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, police officers must be given copies of the complaints before any disciplinary action may be taken. The person who claims to be aggrieved must make the complaint. Other persons may give statements as witnesses.
The investigator will conduct a thorough investigation of your complaint. The investigator will contact witnesses and officers and ask them to give statements. Records and other evidence will also be collected and examined. Unless special circumstances exist, you will be advised in writing of the outcome within 45 days from receipt of the complaint.
Traffic tickets issued and differences of opinion between police officers and citizens over issuance of traffic tickets or for the guilt or innocence of persons arrested will not be investigated unless there is a specific allegation of misconduct against a member of the department.