Complaints and Compliments 

Your valid complaints and criticisms help us to protect the community from possible misconduct by police employees. At the same time, a thorough and impartial investigation procedure helps protect police employees from unwarranted charges when they perform their duties properly.

Things to Remember

• You need not be a part of an incident to make a complaint.
• You do not have to know any of the persons involved.
• You may make a complaint as a witness to an incident.
• If you believe you have a valid complaint, constructive criticism, or police personnel have conducted themselves improperly...you can report it.
• Our goal is to give you the best possible police service and quality of personnel.

Filing a Complaint, or Making a Compliment

A compliment or complaint may be made orally or in writing at any time of the day or night to any police supervisory personnel. Usually, an explanation of the situation in person, by telephone, or by mail is all that is needed to initiate a review or investigation of the matter. If you call or come to the Police Department, you will be referred to an on-duty supervisor.

Online:

https://www.frontlinepss.com/ia/portal/vacaville

Phone:

• Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. call (707) 449-4838 to speak to the Lieutenant commanding the Professional Standards and Training Division.
• Weekends and after hours call (707) 449-4838 to leave a message for the Lieutenant assigned to the Professional Standards and Training Division.
• At any time, you can call (707) 449-5200 and request the Watch Commander.

Write:

Chief of Police
Vacaville Police Department
660 Merchant Street
Vacaville, CA 95688

Email:

Frank.Piro@cityofvacaville.com

When making a complaint, please try to include as much of the following information as possible, such as employee(s) name, badge number, and/or vehicle number. If you do not have this information, simply explain what happened by providing the date, time, and location of the incident. 

Interview Process for Complaints

If you are involved in, or witnessed the incident, it is extremely important to the investigation that you provide a statement. Your statement may be recorded, and in some cases, will be included as part of the complaint. During the initial interview, the supervisor may be able to explain the employee's actions to your satisfaction.

During the interview, the following may occur:

• The supervisor may be able to explain what happened.
• The complaint may be issued a case number.
• The complaint may be assigned to a supervisor or Internal Affairs.
• With your knowledge, you may be voice recorded or videotaped.
• You will be asked for names of witnesses that may know facts about your complaint.

 Complaint Classification

 After a thorough investigation, your complaint will be classified with one of the following dispositions:

• Sustained: The allegation is shown to be true.
• Not Sustained: The allegation can neither be proved nor disproved and no further action is to be considered.
• Unfounded: The allegation has no basis of fact, or has been disproved through the investigation.
• Exonerated: Action complained of did occur, but was lawful, justified, and appropriate under the circumstances in this case.
• Investigation Information

Investigation Information

• If it is determined, as a result of the investigation, that the actions of police personnel were improper or illegal, the personnel involved will be disciplined pursuant to established procedures of the department and city, and/or the case may be referred to the District Attorney for possible criminal action.

• Within 15 days after completion of the investigation, you will be notified either by telephone or by mail of the disposition or status of your complaint, unless you tell us such notification is not desired.

• Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 823.8, you will not receive any information regarding disciplinary, or corrective actions imposed on the employee resulting from the investigation. By law, this information is deemed confidential and may not be disclosed. 

Contact 

The Office of Internal Affairs/Professional Standards & Accountability is led by a Lieutenant. 

• Lieutenant Frank Piro

If you are not satisfied with the disposition in the matter, you may contact the Office of the Chief of Police or the following agencies:

• District Attorney's Office
  675 Texas Street, Fairfield, Ca. 94533

• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
  1411 Oliver Road, Suite 350, Fairfield, Ca. 94533