HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-24 City CouncilCity of Palo Alto
Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: POLICE
DATE:July 24, 1997 CMR:330:97
SUBJECT: CITIZENS’ COMPLAINT SUMMARY - SECOND QUARTER 1997
REQUEST
This is an informational report of all citizens’ complaints received and investigated by the
Palo Alto Police Department during the second quarter of 1997.
RECOMMENDATIONS
No Council action is required.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS,
None.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The following report is a summary of all citizens’ complaints received and investigated by
the Palo Alto Police Department during the second quarter of 1997.
The Police Department received seven complaints during this period (April to June 1997).
Seven complaints were investigated and completed, three of which were from the previous
quarter. The remaining complaints are currently under investigation and will be completed
in the third quarter.
As a matter of routine, staff attempts to identify other associated issues that may not have
been included in the initial complaint. Official corrective action (discipline, admonishment,
training, or policy review) occurred in all situations where a complaint was deemed
sustained. A complaint is "sustained" when an investigation discloses sufficient evidence
to clearly prove the allegations made. Absent such evidence, a complaint may be deemed
"not sustained." Other categories of disposition include: "unfounded," when it can be
CMR:330:97 Page 1 of 2
demonstrated that the alleged actions did not occur; and "exonerated," when the acts were
consistent with department policies and procedures.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
None required.
ATTACHMENTS
Definitions of complaints by category.
Table of dispositions for the fiscal year.
PREPARED BY: Brad.Zook, Police Lieutenant
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW:
is Durkin, Police Chief
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Emily ]~rris~n, Assistant City Manager
CMR:330:97 Page 2 of 2
DEFINITIONS OF COMPLAINTS BY CATEGO,RY
Department Policy and Procedure/No Employee Misconduct - Complaints
that address the department’s policies and procedures in general, not
employee misconduct. Examples include disagreement over speed limits,
parking fines, traffic laws, etc.
e
Service - Complaints that address the failure of an employee to perform a
required service. Examples include failure to return a phone call, follow up
on an investigation, respond to a call, etc..
Demeanor/Courtesy - Complaints that address discourtesy by an employee.~
Misconduct - Complaints that address violations of department rules or
policies beyond discourtesy. Examples include abuse of authority and
significant procedural errors.
Unnecessary_ Force - Complaints that~ddress the use of unnecessary force
upon a citizen during the course of an arrest or performance of duties.