Citizens who file a complaint must:

• Be personally involved in the incident, or be the parent of an involved juvenile.
• Fill out the complaint form completely, listing at least one method of contact.
• Provide enough detail that the Police Department can locate records of the incident.
• Specify in as much detail what you believe the employee did wrong.
• Affirm under law that the allegations are true.
• Be available for in-person interview(s) by the investigating supervisor.
• Promptly give the investigating supervisor copies of evidence or documents, and/or names of witnesses related to the complaint.

Complaints may be made:

• Online
• By Mail
• By Telephone: 217-403-6913
• In Person: Police Department, 82 E. University Ave., Champaign

In-person complaint interviews at the Police Department are audio/video recorded and are preferred as a way to gather as much information as possible. If you have been arrested, you are strongly encouraged to discuss your charges with an attorney.

Please review the Employee Conduct Form Instructions Sheet before getting started.

The formal complaint process includes the following steps:

• STEP 1: Once the complaint is received, it will be written up as an investigative report by a supervisor.
• STEP 2: The citizen will be required to affirm under law that the allegations are true. A copy of the complaint will be provided to them, if desired, along with a Citizen Complaint Fact Sheet.
• STEP 3: The Professional Standards Lieutenant will mail to the citizen a letter and a copy of their complaint form. The letter will list the specific concerns from the initial complaint. The citizen should review the information to verify that all concerns are addressed. A supervisor or investigator may later interview the citizen and any witnesses. The Professional Standards Lieutenant coordinates with the Equity and Engagement Department and the Citizen Review Subcommittee to review the complaint.
• STEP 4: Citizens who claim excessive use of force shall be asked to sign a release to the Police Department for any relevant medical records.  All documents about misconduct complaints are confidential.
• STEP 5: The investigation is typically done within 45 calendar days after the complaint, then submitted to the Chief of Police–who may extend this time if further investigation is needed.

When a complaint investigation is complete, it will be reviewed by a Division Deputy Chief and the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police will review the facts and reach one of the following outcomes:

 

• Unfounded: Allegation is false or not factual.
• Exonerated: Allegation is true, but the action was legal and followed correct departmental policy.
• Not Sustained: Not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.
• Sustained: Allegation is true and the action was illegal and/or did not follow departmental policy.
• Misconduct Noted: There were no sustained findings pertaining to the original complaint, however other violations of law and/or departmental policy were discovered during the investigation.

We do not excuse any wrongful acts. To follow our Department policies, the Chief of Police will:

• Begin discipline against employees guilty of misconduct.
• Remove employees who are unfit for law enforcement work.
• File criminal charges against employees when supported by enough evidence.
• Dismiss unfair claims against innocent employees.
• File criminal charges against people who knowingly make a false report to Champaign Police.

At the end of the investigation, the Chief of Police will notify the citizen in writing about the decision and of any action that will be taken. If the complainant disagrees with the Chief’s decision, within 30 days, he/she may ask that the complaint is reviewed by the City Manager.

Mediation with a professional mediator is an option for complaints of a less serious nature, such as rudeness or wrong action. This is done prior to the investigation of a complaint.  The mediation must be agreed upon by both the citizen and the officer, and both parties must participate in good faith. What is discussed in mediation remains confidential. If the citizen is satisfied with the outcome, the complaint is settled as complete.  If the citizen is not satisfied with the outcome, the complaint will continue in the formal investigation process.

For questions regarding the completion or investigative review of police complaints, you may contact one of the following:

City of Champaign Police Department, Office of Professional Standards:
Champaign Police Department | 82 E. University Ave. | [email protected] | 217-403-6913

City of Champaign Equity and Engagement Department:  
City of Champaign | 102 N. Neil St. | [email protected] | 217-403-8830