A Partnership Between the Citizens of Topeka and the Topeka Police Department can ensure the Citizens of Topeka have the best Law Enforcement available.
We strongly suggest you call the Topeka Police Department about your complaint. The best weapon against crime in any police department is the trust of the public. Recognizing this, the Topeka Police Department devotes much attention to scrutinizing its own operation. If you feel you have been unfairly treated by the police, we strongly encourage you to contact the Police Department and have your complaint fully investigated.
Often citizens who have been arrested feel they are not guilty of the charge and want to complain to police. The guilt, innocence, or legality of the arrest are matters for the courts to decide. The police complaint process becomes involved only when errors are alleged in police behavior.
The Professional Standards Unit is made up of a specialized investigation team to receive and investigate complaints against police. Professional Standards then provides a report with complete documentation directly to the Chief of Police or designee.
How Do I File A Complaint / Compliment Regarding Police Conduct?
The Topeka Police Department has an investigative review process for citizens who feel the treatment or service they received by any employee of the Topeka Police Department was not appropriate or professional.
The review process is conducted by a Division Commander, or designee and administrative personnel of the Professional Standards Unit.
It is important for you to realize the Chief of Police must operate under the guidelines set forth in a labor agreement with the police officers as well as the Department’s written directives. Complaints of incidents in excess of 30 days will not be accepted except in very limited situations.
An investigator will interview you after you file the complaint and obtain a detailed statement. Following the interview with you, all other individuals who may have knowledge of the incident will be interviewed in an effort to determine all the facts in the case.
What Help Is Needed From Me?
If you want the incident investigated thoroughly, your cooperation is essential. You will need to sign a statement regarding the facts and be as candid as possible when interviewed by the investigator. Although the incident in which you were involved may provoke strong feeling, keeping as calm an attitude as possible will be beneficial.
How Long Will The Investigation Take?
It depends entirely on the complexity of the case. Be sure to maintain contact with the Professional Standards Unit and keep them informed of any changes in your address or telephone number. Sometimes complaints cannot be completed or processed because the citizen who initially made the complaint cannot be located. Upon the conclusion of the investigation you will be notified in writing of the outcome.
Does The Complaint Process Guarantee Protection Of My Rights?
The complaint process protects the rights of both parties. You have the right to have your complaint taken seriously, to be treated with respect, and to have a thorough investigation that identifies all relevant facts. Department policy requires meetings you have with police personnel be conducted in a manner that will avoid intimidation. If you do not feel these rights are being respected, you should contact the Office of the Chief of Police. As public employees, police employees have similar rights protecting them in the proper exercise of their duties.
You will be notified of the results of the investigation in a letter from the Chief of Police or Division Commander. In the event you are not satisfied with the decision that is rendered, you would have the option to pursue the matter through the court system.
Do You Want To Make That Call? Here Are The Numbers
- The Police Department Front Desk
368-9464
- Professional Standards Unit
368-9214
- Chief of Police
368-9551
The Front Desk Officer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Office of the Chief of Police and the Professional Standards Unit are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
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