- Home
- Departments
- Police Department
- Connect with Us
- Feedback
- Formal Complaint Process
Formal Complaint Process
Overview
The Highland Village Police Department is dedicated to providing the best police service possible to all citizens. Police personnel are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service.
Police officers have a difficult job to do. They are asked to exercise their best judgment under stressful, tense situations and often with limited information and time constraints. However, officers must also be professional and observe the rights of all citizens while performing their duties.
If a citizen believes an officer or an employee has engaged in misconduct, they have the right to file a complaint.
How Formal Complaints are Made
When a citizen makes a formal complaint against a member of the Highland Village Police Department, the complaint goes to the chief of police. An investigator will be assigned to review and investigate the complaint. Texas Government Code, Chapter 614.022, V.T.C.A, requires that all formal complaints against police officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint.
Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, the police officer must be given a copy of a personnel complaint before any disciplinary action may be taken. Complaints must be made within 45 days of the act unless good cause can be shown. Formal complaints must be made by the person who claims to be aggrieved. Other persons may give statements as witnesses. Investigators will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, and the complainant will be advised of the result and action taken.
For more information, view the Formal Complaint Process.
Conclusion
If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation. By the same token, if you have an occasion to see a police employee doing outstanding work, tell us about it. The employees of the Highland Village Police Department are individuals who are dedicated to serving you and the community.
Texas Government Code - Complaints Against Law Enforcement Officers
Sec. 614.022. Complaint to be in Writing and Signed by Complainant. To be considered by the head of a state agency or by the head of a fire or police department, the complaint must be: (1) in writing; and (2) signed by the person making the complaint. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 614.023. Copy of Complaint to be Given to Officer or Employee. (a) A copy of a signed complaint against a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or police officer shall be given to the officer or employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed. (b) Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer or employee. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Download Formal Complaint Packet
Click here to download a copy of the formal complaint packet.
The Highland Village Police Department is dedicated to providing the best police service possible to all citizens. Police personnel are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service.
Police officers have a difficult job to do. They are asked to exercise their best judgment under stressful, tense situations and often with limited information and time constraints. However, officers must also be professional and observe the rights of all citizens while performing their duties.
If a citizen believes an officer or an employee has engaged in misconduct, they have the right to file a complaint.
How Formal Complaints are Made
When a citizen makes a formal complaint against a member of the Highland Village Police Department, the complaint goes to the chief of police. An investigator will be assigned to review and investigate the complaint. Texas Government Code, Chapter 614.022, V.T.C.A, requires that all formal complaints against police officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint.
Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, the police officer must be given a copy of a personnel complaint before any disciplinary action may be taken. Complaints must be made within 45 days of the act unless good cause can be shown. Formal complaints must be made by the person who claims to be aggrieved. Other persons may give statements as witnesses. Investigators will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, and the complainant will be advised of the result and action taken.
For more information, view the Formal Complaint Process.
Conclusion
If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation. By the same token, if you have an occasion to see a police employee doing outstanding work, tell us about it. The employees of the Highland Village Police Department are individuals who are dedicated to serving you and the community.
Texas Government Code - Complaints Against Law Enforcement Officers
Sec. 614.022. Complaint to be in Writing and Signed by Complainant. To be considered by the head of a state agency or by the head of a fire or police department, the complaint must be: (1) in writing; and (2) signed by the person making the complaint. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 614.023. Copy of Complaint to be Given to Officer or Employee. (a) A copy of a signed complaint against a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or police officer shall be given to the officer or employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed. (b) Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer or employee. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Download Formal Complaint Packet
Click here to download a copy of the formal complaint packet.