HomeMy WebLinkAbout0361.091-
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July ~8, 1991
THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
rale Alto, California
Citizens' Complaint Summarv -Second Quarter 1991
Members of the council:
Report in Brief
On November 20, 1989, Council directed the Folice Department to
prepare quarterly reports that summarize citizens' complaints.
This 115 an inforlllational report of all citizens' complaints
received and investigated by the Palo Alto police Department
during the second quarter of 1991. No Council action is
required.
Sackground
Section 832.7 of the California Penal Code authorizes the release
of data regarding the number, type or disposition of co~plaints
(sustained, not sustained, exonerated, or unfounded) ~ade against
Police Department personnel, if that information is in a form
which does not identify the individuals involved. The follo~ing
report is issued in conformance yith the above provisions and is
a summary of all citizens' complaints r~ceived and investigated
by the Palo Alto Police Department during the second quarter of
1991.
,_ total of 28 co~plaints were received during this time period
(April -June 1991J. ~Menty-three investigations have been
concluded (5 of these are dispositions from the first quarter);
the dispositions of the remaininq 10 complaints will be included
in next quarter's report.
As a matter of routine, staff attempts to identify other
associated issues that ~ay not have been included in the initial
eo&plaint. Official corrective action (discipline, admonishment,
training, policy review) occurred in all situations where a
complaint wa.s deem-ed sustair,ed~ A complaint is "SUstained· ~hen
CKP.: 361:91
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an inve.tl~atlon discloses sufficient evidence to clearly preY.
tha alleqations .ade~ Absent sucb evidence, a complaint may be
deemad -not su.talned.-other ceteqories Qf disposition include:
·unfounded,· when it can be demonstrated that the alleged actions
did not occur; and -exonerated,· when the acts were consiatent
with departaent policies and procedures.
~ctf\lll)aUbaitted'
~k(}~,
JOHNSON
Ass stant police Chief
AttachBents
CMR'J61191
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J11NE FLEMING,' )
Assist~t City Manager
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llrlliWN PED [)fSPDS!TIO NS
THIS QUARTER
YEAR TO DATE
EXONERATED [)fSPOS!TIONS
THIS QUARTER
YEAR TO DATE
NOT SUSTAINED DISPOS!TIONS
ThlS QUARTER
YEARTD DATE
SUSTAINED [)fSPOS!TIONJ;
THIS QUARTER
YEAR TO DATE
TQlA!. THill QJ.!ABUB
TOTAL YEAR TO DATE
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Q!S~IQNS Q£.tlll CITIZENS' COMPlAINTS
(SECOND QUARTER}
POllCYI DEMEANOR!
PROCEDURE" SERVICE COURTESY MISCONDUCT
1 1 2 3
3 8
1 1 3
3 , 1 6
1 4 2
2 7 5
,. 2
J" 4 1
2 5 7 8
7 8 12 20
UNNECESSARY
FORCE
1
1
1
1
During the second quarter .. 3 complaints were sustaIned re.sultlng In a .suspension from dlJty~ an admonishment,
and. change in poricy with a contract vendor.
*Thase camplarnts invotva department policy and procedure only; no associated employee mrsconducl Involved:
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TOTAL
7
13
6
12
1
14
3
9
23
48
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DEFINIDONS OF COMPLAINTS BY CATEGORY
DepaMeDi !>OBcy and Prpcedure/No Employ" MtseoMuet • Complaints
that lekSresa ilia department'. pollelea and procedures In general, not
employee misconduct. ExamplN inclUde dlsa~reement over speed iimits,
parking fines, !raffle 11IW1I, etc.
2. SCryIq! • Complalnta that aCklress the lanur. of an employee 10 perform a
reql.!lrecl service. Examples inclUde faDur. to return. phone can, follow
up on In investigatIOn, respond to a ca n, etc.
3, DelD1laoor~· ComplaInts lIIal aekS .... discourtesy toy an
employee.
4, Misconduct • ComplaInts lIIat add .... violations of departm ent rules or
poIlcles beyOnd discourtesy. Examples InclUde abuse Of a uthorIty and
algnlflcart1 procedural errors.
5. Yon"""",a!), FO«:e • Complaints that address the use of unnecessary
force upon a <:!tIzen during the cou'" of an arrest or performance of
duties.
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