What is the Office of Professional Standards?
The main responsibility of the Office of Professional Standards is to ensure that the integrity of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is maintained. That means the high standards of professional conduct must be followed and that the administrative, operational policies and procedures must conform to standards set by the City government and current legal requirements. The Office of Professional Standards vigorously investigates complaints against officers as well as protects officers who properly perform their assigned duties.
How do I file a complaint?
Please fill out a complaint form and send it to:
Office of Professional Standards
150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A,
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Complaint forms can also be e-mailed to publicsafety@kalamazoocity.org.
Who investigates my complaint?
The Inspector of Professional Standards is responsible for the thorough investigation of your complaint against any employee of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The Inspector of Professional Standards may assign a command officer to investigate your complaint or be assisted by the Criminal Investigation Division.
What are the possible outcomes of an investigation?
Your complaint will result in one of the following conclusions:
- UNFOUNDED: meaning it was proven conclusively that the acts or acts in your complaint did not occur.
- EXONERATED: meaning the act or acts in your complaint did occur but were proven justified or proper.
- SUSTAINED: meaning there was sufficient evidence to clearly prove your allegations.
- MISCONDUCT NOT BASED ON COMPLAINT: meaning the investigation uncovered improper job performance apart from your complaint.
- EXCEPTIONALLY CLEARED: meaning the complainant/reportee failed to cooperate with the investigation or did not provide information that would sustain an investigation.
Who decides if my complaint is justified?
The Chief of Public Safety or his designee reviews your complaint. If it is a valid criticism of operating policies or procedures, the Chief and his staff will promptly develop and implement changes. If your complaint warrants criminal action, they will complete an offense report, which is sent to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. When any complaint against an officer is upheld, appropriate discipline will be taken.
How do I know what happens?
You will be notified of the investigation results within 45 days. If the investigation cannot be completed within the 45 day period, you will be provided a progress report. When an outcome is decided, you will be notified of the results.
Can I appeal? YES!
You can appeal the decision of the Chief of Public Safety to the City Manager. The City Manager’s Office is located in City Hall at 241 W. South St. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. The City Manager’s Office can be reached by telephone at (269) 337-8047.
- Only the involved person may appeal the findings of the investigations.
- Third parties do not have the right to appeal.
- You must file an appeal at the City Manager’s Office within 14 business days of your notification of the decision.
- The basis for your appeal must be specific.
- The appeal may be in person, written, or by telephone.
