Responsibility
The Normal Police Department (NPD) strives to provide the best possible police service to our community. We sincerely hope community members never need to file complaints against NPD officers.
However, we understand and recognize the need for the filing of legitimate complaints against police personnel. All complaints and allegations will be investigated and responses provided to complainant(s) in a timely manner.
Policy
The Normal Police Department accepts, investigates and reviews all complaints of alleged misconduct or improper handling of an incident on the part of police personnel, sworn or non-sworn.
Complaints from individuals displaying symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication will not be accepted until such time that the complainant has attained full sobriety.
To File A Complaint
If you wish to file a complaint concerning the actions of Normal Police Department personnel, follow these procedures:
- Call 309-454-9535 and request to speak with the on-duty shift commander and share your experience. We prefer to talk with community members in person whenever possible, as many issues can often be resolved through direct conversations.
- If your complaint is not resolved after speaking with the on-duty shift commander, complete the Citizen Complaint form. It is easier to investigate a complaint when all of the facts are provided. This form:
- is available in English, Spanish and French. (Check the box in the upper right corner to change languages.)
- can be submitted anonymously, if you choose. However, the lack of name and contact information may limit our ability to fully investigate the complaint. Without a way to contact you, we cannot ask follow-up questions, request additional information or clarify details. Anonymous complaints will be reviewed but may be more difficult to investigate thoroughly.
- includes areas to list the facts of the incident and the manner in which they occurred.
- can be completed independently by community members, or the shift commander can assist with completion and submit on behalf of the complainant.
- If you do not wish to speak with a shift commander, you must complete the Citizen Complaint form independently. Provide as much detail as you can about the incident.
- If you cannot access the form, a hard copy is available at the front desk of Normal Police Department or the lobby of City Hall. Ask for the “Citizen Complaint” form. You can file the formal complaint at either location or send via mail. Mail to: Chief of Police, 100 E. Phoenix Ave. Normal, IL 61761.
- After filing a formal complaint, you will be contacted by an assistant chief to review the status of the investigation. If you have questions about your complaint or the process, contact the assistant chief of police during regular business hours at 309-454-9523.
What To Expect After Filing a Complaint
Confidentiality
Your complaint will be kept as confidential as possible, sharing details only with the appropriate personnel. NPD takes all complaints seriously and the chief of police is made aware of all complaints against officers.
The department strives to adhere to State of Illinois Statutory provisions as it pertains to sworn employees. Sworn officers are entitled to all rights and privileges afforded to them in the Uniform Peace Officer’s Disciplinary Act, 50 ILCS 725. The act states “no officer shall be subjected to interrogation without first being informed in writing of the nature of the investigation. The information shall be sufficient as to reasonably apprise the officer of the nature of the investigation.”
Complaint Review
An assistant chief of police or someone designated by the chief will investigate the complaint.
Timing
Investigations and complaint reviews typically occur within 30 days of the formal complaint filing. Complex investigations may take additional time.
During the investigation process, complainants can reach out to the assistant chief of police at 309-454-9523 during regular business hours to ask questions about the complaint process and review.
Outcomes
The outcome of the complaint will be shared with you upon completion of the investigation. Complaint outcomes are categorized into one of the following categories:
- Proper Conduct
- Improper Conduct
- Insufficient Evidence
- Unfounded Complaint
If, after a complete investigation, the allegation is substantiated, the officer’s discipline depends on the seriousness of the infraction. If the officer’s actions were criminal, they will be dealt with like any other citizen. If improper, but not criminal, internal disciplinary actions may range from reprimand to suspension, or in some cases, termination. Training may also be implemented to correct the problem
If you have questions about the results of the investigation, email Operations Assistant Chief Shane Hackman.
Tracking
Complaints are tracked annually and categorized as follows:
- Use of force/excessive force/
- False arrest
- Rudeness/offensive behavior
- Search & seizure
- Racism & prejudice
- Harassment
- Officer Conduct (Other)
- Violation of Rights
Visit the Citizen Complaint Data website page to learn more about numbers of complaints and their dispositions.
Illinois Attorney General
If you believe your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General. Complaints generally must be filed within 60 days of learning of the violation and within a year of when it occurred. Filing a complaint does not affect your eligibility for police services or prosecution of your case.
The Normal Police Department cooperates fully with any investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
