Office of Conduct and Standards
Complaint Procedures
Quality Service is Important to our Mission
Policy:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office prides itself on providing quality law enforcement and support services to everyone in Washington County. We work hard to build trust and confidence between all Sheriff's Office employees and the public we serve. Every citizen must be free to express their concerns about any contacts they may have with employees of the Sheriff's Office. Employees will be held accountable for illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior when it has come to our attention through any means. This pledge is not intended to inhibit the exercise of good judgment or appropriate behavior by Sheriff's Office employees in the performance of their duties. Instead, employees are encouraged to exercise initiative in their daily work and take official action without fear of reprisal from any source.
Any person who believes they have not received the level of service they deserve or have been treated improperly by any employee of the Sheriff's Office is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the Sheriff. This can be accomplished by immediately contacting the Office of Conduct and Standards, an on-duty Shift Commander, the Sheriff's Administration during duty hours, or by writing to the Sheriff directly.
Every effort will be made to ensure that no adverse consequences will result from any person or witness who chooses to bring a complaint or to one who provides information in the investigation of any complaint.
All complaints will be investigated promptly and in most cases will be completed within six to eight weeks.
Who Investigates Complaints About Service?
The Office of Conduct and Standards is the investigative arm of the Sheriff's Office and is the repository for all complaints about conduct or service by our employees. Its function is to impartially interview witnesses, collect evidence, and present facts to the Sheriff's administration for review and disposition.
The Office of Conduct and Standards investigates all allegations of misconduct or negligence of duty against Sheriff's Office employees. Any use of firearms by our deputies will also be investigated by this office.
A Sergeant Investigator is assigned to the Office of Conduct and Standards and reports directly to the Sheriff on all matters. This position is staffed by persons demonstrating integrity, fairness, outstanding work record, investigative ability, and good common sense.
How do I make a complaint about service?
You have several options available to you when you are not satisfied with the service you receive from an employee of the Sheriff's Office. Any immediate concern can be reported to the on-duty Shift Commander by calling the non-emergency number in our Communications Center. You may also call, visit, or write the Office of Conduct and Standards. Another option available is to contact the Sheriff's Administration during business hours and initiate your complaint.
How are complaints resolved?
At the conclusion of an investigation, the Office of Conduct and Standards submits the case file to the Sheriff for review and also provides a verbal account of the investigation. The investigator will recommend a disposition to the Sheriff following a review of the facts of the case. Depending upon the facts and circumstances of the case, the Sheriff may take immediate action himself.
In all cases, the Sheriff is the final decision making authority.
Once the Sheriff renders a final disposition, the complainant will be advised of the case disposition in writing. The possible dispositions are:
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Unfounded - Allegation is false or not factual
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Not Sustained - Insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the incident.
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Exonerated - Incident occurred but it was lawful and proper
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Sustained - Allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.
Discipline of any employee, if the complaint is sustained, may take several forms ranging from counseling to termination.
Although you may be informed of the disposition of your complaint and any actions taken against the employee, your statements, witness statements, peace officer statements, and other evidence obtained by the Office of Conduct and Standards investigator will remain private pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Chapter 13.43, Subdivision 2. What this means is you can talk freely to a Sheriff's Office investigator without fear of revenge by any employee or fellow citizens.
FALSELY REPORTING AN ACT OF POLICE MISCONDUCT
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE
Minnesota Statute 609.505, Subdivision 2.
Falsely reporting police misconduct or police criminal activity
is punishable as (1) a misdemeanor if the false information does
not allege a criminal act; (2) a gross misdemeanor if the false
information alleges a criminal act. Any person convicted
will have to make full restitution not to exceed $3,000.
What happens if there is a criminal investigation of an employee?
Where an investigation requires an inquiry into a matter that may be both criminal and a violation of Sheriff's Office policy or procedures, you will be advised that either course of action may be pursued. If a criminal investigation concerning an employee is opened, it will be conducted using normal investigative procedures. The Sheriff's administration will take no action regarding a breach of policy or procedure until the issue of criminal charges is resolved.
Who do I contact to complain?
Call, write or visit:
Office of Conduct and Standards
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Law Enforcement Center
15015 62nd Street North, PO Box 3801
Stillwater, MN 55082-3801
Phone: 651-430-7610
Office Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
OR
Contact the on-duty Shift Commander at 651-439-9381
What if I am still dissatisfied?
If you are not satisfied with the final disposition of an investigation you always have recourse to the courts, human rights enforcement agencies, and elected officials to pursue the matter further.
