OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Office of Professional Standards

The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) is responsible for maintaining the high level of professional conduct within the police department. As such, the Office of Professional Standards is responsible for processing and investigation of complaints against the department and its personnel. Additionally, the Professional Standards function has responsibility for recruitment of new personnel, training and development of existing personnel, review of use of force incidents, review of department policy & procedure, and review of rules and regulations.

 

How Are We Doing?

Timely feedback from the public is a critical component to the successful evaluation of our performance in the community. The Palmer Police Department is committed to providing the best police service possible, your assistance is essential if we are to succeed in this goal.  If you have questions or comments concerning our operational procedures, or recommendations on how we can improve our service, you may contact the police department and offer your suggestions. To be responsive to the needs of our community, we encourage citizen input.  Your constructive comments about our service, good or bad, will help us to improve and achieve our goal of providing the highest quality police service possible.

 

Commending Exceptional Performance:

The best way to commend the performance of Palmer Police personnel is to use our Personnel Recognition Form or, write a brief letter or email describing the incident and/or actions the employee demonstrated which you felt were exceptional.  Information such as the date, time, and location will help identify the employee if you do not know their name.  If you choose not to write, you may speak with the individual’s supervisor and make a verbal commendation. Commendations received will be forwarded to the employee with a copy placed in their personnel file.  Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything they do, recognition of exceptional service is always appreciated. This kind of feedback helps us to know if we are doing a good job.

Our Personnel Recognition Form is available at the Palmer Police Department or, can be downloaded from the Forms section of this site and submitted by email to: professionalstandards@palmerpolice.org

 

Making an Inquiry or Complaint:

An inquiry or complaint can be made by using our Department Personnel Complaint Form, writing a letter, email, telephone, or in person.  Complaints against personnel should be directed to the on-duty supervisor, or the Office of Professional Standards.

If your inquiry or complaint appears to be based on a misunderstanding or a lack of knowledge of acceptable or desired conduct, procedures, or practices, the officer may offer an explanation.  If you are not satisfied with his/her explanation, you may request to speak with the employee’s supervisor.  Please be prepared to provide the date, time, and location of the event; the name of the officer involved (if known); and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any possible witnesses.

Our Department Personnel Complaint Form is available at the Palmer Police Department or, can be downloaded from the Forms section of this site and submitted by email to: professionalstandards@palmerpolice.org

 

Contact Information:

Correspondence can also be mailed to the Palmer Police Department at the following address:

Palmer Police Department                                                                 Phone: 413-283-8792

4419 Main St.

Palmer, Ma. 01069

 

Attn: Office of Professional Standards

 professionalstandards@palmerpolice.org

Responsibility Yours and Ours

The Palmer Police Department views all complaints against its employees very seriously and actively pursues investigations of misconduct.  For this reason, you must ensure that your complaint is based on facts.  False reporting in an attempt to unjustly subject a Palmer Police employee to undeserved discipline or slander, or place his/her employment in jeopardy, can result in criminal charges or civil liability.

 

Investigation Procedures

A complaint investigation will usually include a review of all applicable reports, policies and procedures, examination of any evidence or medical records, and interviews with all parties and witnesses involved.  This may take several weeks to investigate/review, where as a simple inquiry may only take a few days to complete.

FAQ

Q: Is there any risk in making a complaint against an employee?

A: No, but if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against a member, that person may be criminally prosecuted or civilly liable.

Q: What happens when an investigation is initiated?

A: The complainant and the department employee will be notified that the case is under investigation.

Q: What happens when an investigation is concluded?

A: The complainant will be informed as to the outcome of their complaint.

Q: What happens to an employee if he/she is found to have acted improperly?

A: Depending on the severity of the conduct, dispositions of the investigation can range from retraining to discipline.

Q: What happens if a complaint cannot be proven or is not true?

A: Palmer Police employees must be provided with certain rights, just as all citizens are. Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is insufficient evidence to prove an allegation, the employee will be cleared of the charge.