Citizen Complaints and Internal Affairs

A citizen complaint is a formal allegation of employee misconduct that may result in a formal investigation. A citizen complaint may also be directed at established policy or operational procedures.

See California Penal Code section 832.5(a) for more information.

At Los Rios Police Department (LRPD), we welcome valid complaints about our services or personnel. Your constructive comments provide an open channel of communication between LRPD and the campus community, help us protect the campus community from possible misconduct, and provide a basis for a thorough and impartial investigative procedure.

It is the policy of LRPD (and the law) to accept and investigate all complaints concerning the conduct of its personnel or operations, and to make available to the public a written description of its complaint procedure in compliance with California Penal Code section 832.5(a).

Advisement Required by California State Law

The following advisement is required by state law:

You have the right to make a complaint against a police officer for any improper police conduct. California law requires this agency to have a procedure to investigate citizens' complaints.

You have a right to a written description of this procedure. This agency may find after the investigation, that there is not enough evidence to warrant action on your complaint; even if that is the case, you have the right to make the complaint and have it investigated if you believe an officer has behaved improperly. Citizen complaints and any reports or findings related to complaints must be retained by this agency for at least five years.

Effect on Criminal Prosecution

An investigation by LRPD of the conduct of its employees and the District Attorney's prosecution of a criminal case are two entirely separate matters. If a person arrested by an LRPD officer files a citizen's complaint against that officer, then such action will not affect the prosecutor's independent decision to proceed with criminal action.

Complaint Procedures

If your complaint involves any LRPD employee, then you will be asked to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Your name and phone number
• The name, badge number, vehicle number, and/or physical description of the LRPD employee(s)
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• The acts or actions you have a complaint about

If your complaint involves a policy or service of LRPD, then you will be asked to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Your name and phone number
• The policy or service you have a complaint about

How to Submit a Complaint

There are multiple ways to submit a complaint to the Los Rios Police Department.

Online

Submit Online Citizen Complaint

In Person

Ask to speak to the police sergeant at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, or Sacramento City College. See police center information for addresses, locations, and hours.

By Phone

Ask to speak to the police sergeant at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, or Sacramento City College. See police center information for phone numbers and hours.

By Mail

Mail a letter to the police sergeant at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, or Sacramento City College.  See police center information for addresses.

By Fax

Send a fax to the police sergeant at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, or Sacramento City College.  See police center information for fax numbers.

By Email

Send an email to the police sergeant at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, or Sacramento City College.