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Professional Standards (Internal Affairs)
The Professional Standards Division is established within the Office of the Chief of Police of the Peoria Police Department. The Professional Standards Division is headed by a police lieutenant, who reports directly to the Chief of Police.
The men and women of the Peoria Police Department are dedicated to building a strong Peoria. Through the delivery of exemplary service with a focus on problem-solving, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods by "Building a Partnership" with the community we serve.
Compliments
How to compliment the actions or performance of a Peoria Police Employee?
Call the Police Department at 309-673-4521 or stop by the department and ask to speak with a supervisor to verbally communicate your thanks.
Write a letter or send an email to the Peoria Police Department commending the employee. An email form can be found at Peoria Police Department.
Complete the Commendation and Complaint form (PDF).
Commendation letters are forwarded to the Department member and a copy is placed in the employee's permanent personnel file.
Complaints
False Complaints
On occasion, people will make false complaints against department members. Citizens should be aware of the Illinois Criminal Code 720 ILCS 26-1(A4) "Transmits or causes to be transmitted in any manner to any peace officer, public officer or public employee a report to the effect that an offense will be committed, or has been committed, knowing at the time of the transmission that there is no reasonable ground for believing that the offense will be committed, is being committed or has been committed."
Police employees are carefully selected, held to high professional standards and provided the best training possible. If you should have an occasion to see a police employee doing an outstanding job, we encourage you to let us know about it.
- What is considered a personnel complaint?
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A complaint of wrong doing or inappropriate action on the part of any employee of the Peoria Police Department.
- How do I file a complaint against a Police Department employee?
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When a person has a complaint against a police department employee (sworn or civilian), the complaint may be filed in person, by telephone or by completing the Citizen Commendation/Complaint Form (PDF) and sending it to the Department.
Illinois law (50 ILCS 725/3.8(b)) requires that anyone filing a complaint against a sworn police officer must have the complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. This can be done by using a notary public.
- What type of complaints will not be taken?
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Complaints alleging disagreements on traffic or parking tickets or probable cause for an arrest are examples of complaints that may not be taken since they are best suited for a judicial review and decisions.
- Will the Police Department employee be told about the complaint?
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Yes. As in the case with a potentially punitive process, the accused is afforded the right of knowing what they are accused of and who the accusers are. This is done in fairness to the employee just as it is for any other person.
- How long will the investigation take?
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Whenever possible, investigations will be concluded within 30 days unless unusual circumstances warrant an extension. The Department will make every effort to keep the complainant advised of any delays and the disposition of the investigation.
- What if the allegations/complaint turns out to be false?
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If a complaint is made on a good faith belief of truth and the Department member is cleared, the complaint will be closed without further action. If it is determined the allegation was intentionally false or intended to discredit or embarrass the Department member, you may be subject to criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.
- What if you're concerned about the disposition of the investigation?
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You may contact the Police-Community Relations Committee at 309-494-8450 or email the Community Relations Committee or phone the Chief of Police at 309-494-8335.